Ganesh Godiyal – Congress Alleges Administrative Hurdles Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Dehradun Event

Ganesh Godiyal – The Uttarakhand Congress has accused the state administration of creating obstacles ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled youth interaction programme in Dehradun. The party alleged that trucks carrying equipment for the upcoming “Chhatron Ki Goonj” event were stopped despite prior approval for the venue, leading to a late-night protest led by Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Ganesh Godiyal on Tuesday.

Congress Raises Objections Over Venue Arrangements

According to Congress leaders, the event is planned for July 17 at Parade Ground in Dehradun. Party representatives claimed they had secured official permission to organize the programme, but vehicles transporting event materials were not allowed to enter the venue. They further alleged that the administration later withdrew the permission that had already been granted, creating uncertainty around the preparations.

Ganesh Godiyal Criticises State Government

Speaking to reporters during the demonstration, Ganesh Godiyal said the Congress had documentary proof showing that permission for the event had been issued. He maintained that the administration’s subsequent decision to revoke the approval reflected what he described as the government’s concern over Rahul Gandhi’s planned interaction with students and young people in the state.

Godiyal argued that the party had followed the required procedures before making arrangements for the programme. He questioned the decision to prevent logistical preparations after official clearance had already been provided.

Allegations of Misusing Administrative Machinery

The Uttarakhand Congress chief also accused the ruling government of using administrative mechanisms to put pressure on opposition parties. He alleged that such actions were affecting not only political activities but also creating difficulties for students and ordinary citizens.

Godiyal further stated that governments should avoid using official institutions to restrict democratic political programmes. He remarked that those in power should remember that political circumstances change over time, and the standards applied today could eventually be experienced by future administrations as well.

Rahul Gandhi’s Youth Outreach Programme

Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is expected to visit Dehradun on July 17 as part of the Congress party’s nationwide “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign. During the visit, he is scheduled to engage with students and young people in Uttarakhand’s capital, discussing issues affecting the education sector and the concerns of the youth.

The programme forms part of a broader national outreach initiative that seeks to bring attention to challenges faced by students across the country. Among the issues expected to be discussed are examination-related irregularities, educational opportunities, and concerns surrounding India’s education system.

Nationwide Campaign Continues

The “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign was launched by Rahul Gandhi in Kota, Rajasthan, through a public event titled the “Chhatron Ki Goonj Maha Rally.” Since its launch, the initiative has been positioned as a platform to interact with students from different states and understand their experiences regarding education and employment-related challenges.

With the Dehradun programme scheduled for July 17, the campaign is set to continue its outreach in Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, the allegations made by the Congress regarding administrative restrictions have added a political dimension to the preparations, while the state administration has yet to publicly respond to the claims outlined by party leaders.