New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday criticised the cancellation of the venue for Rahul Gandhi’s proposed ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Prayagraj, questioning why the event was stopped.
Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Don’t know what they are afraid of,” while reacting to the withdrawal of permission for the event scheduled to be held on August 8.
KP College withdraws permission
Earlier, the Kayastha Pathshala Trust revoked permission for the use of K.P. Ground in Prayagraj, where Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to address the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme.
In a letter to the City Congress Committee, the trust said the decision was taken after receiving inputs from the college principal and in compliance with an Allahabad High Court order dated August 14, 2025, which emphasised that students’ academic activities should not be disrupted.
Academic activities, rain cited as reasons
The management said holding the event on the scheduled date could affect students from two schools using the campus.
It also expressed concern that rainfall could damage the sports ground, making restoration difficult. The trust suggested that the programme be held during school holidays after the monsoon season to avoid disruption.
Congress says event will go ahead
Following the cancellation, Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the BJP of trying to prevent the programme because it was “afraid” of Rahul Gandhi.
Khera said the Congress would not back down and asserted that the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme would be held as planned on August 8.
He alleged that Rahul Gandhi faces repeated obstacles whenever he attempts to raise issues concerning students, adding that the Opposition would continue its outreach despite the cancellation of the venue.