Rahul Gandhi's Pune Event Sparks Row Over Paid Attendance

A political row has erupted in Pune ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Goonj programme, scheduled to take place on Saturday evening. The BJP has alleged that the Congress is offering money to attendees and social media influencers to promote the event and create a crowd.

The allegations were made by a former Vadgaonsheri MLA and BJP leader, who claimed that thousands of rupees were being distributed to gather a crowd and get social media posts made about the programme. The BJP leader also claimed that people in Pune had turned their backs on Rahul Gandhi during his previous visit and alleged that Congress was now making a desperate attempt to gather a paid crowd.

The allegations come after a purported phone conversation surfaced in which a social media influencer was allegedly offered ₹25,000 to attend the programme and create content related to it. According to the BJP's allegation, the influencer was expected to attend the event and post two to three videos or other content on social media.

However, the recording does not explicitly mention Rahul Gandhi, Congress, or Chhatron Ki Goonj, and the identities of the people heard in the conversation have not been independently established. Therefore, the allegation has not been independently verified.

A separate WhatsApp message has also surfaced, which appears to show people being offered ₹400 to attend the programme in Pune, with transport provided. The message allegedly says that the event is a dialogue on women's education, safety, equality, and careers, and is only open to girls.

The ₹400 offer is also yet to be independently verified, and it is not clear whether the message is genuine or whether it is connected to the Congress event. The Chhatron Ki Goonj programme is being presented as the Voice of the Students, but the BJP has alleged that it is actually the Echo of Money.

The Congress has not yet responded to the allegations, and it is unclear whether the event will go ahead as planned. The row has sparked a heated debate in Pune, with many questioning the authenticity of the allegations and the motives of the Congress.

The Chhatron Ki Goonj programme is part of Rahul Gandhi's efforts to engage with students and young people in the country. The event is expected to focus on issues such as women's education, safety, and equality, and is seen as an attempt by the Congress to reconnect with its traditional voter base.

However, the allegations of paid attendance and promotion have raised questions about the legitimacy of the event and the Congress's tactics. The row is likely to have significant implications for the Congress and its reputation in Pune and beyond.

In conclusion, the row over Rahul Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Pune has sparked a heated debate about the authenticity of the allegations and the motives of the Congress. While the allegations are yet to be independently verified, they have raised significant questions about the legitimacy of the event and the Congress's tactics.