New Delhi/Indore :  All eyes are now on Indore, where Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address the fifth edition of his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme on September 19.

The youth-focused initiative, which began with education-related concerns, has gradually expanded into wider discussions on social and political issues. Gandhi has previously sought feedback from students, parents and teachers on problems within the education system. The Indore event is expected to continue the focus on students, their concerns and their aspirations.

From Education to Social Justice Debate

The programme has also acquired a wider political dimension following Gandhi’s recent remarks on issues including women’s rights and the Manusmriti. His comments have drawn criticism from some Hindu organisations, while the broader debate over social justice and the Manusmriti has become part of the political discourse.

The key question ahead of the Indore event is what issue Gandhi will place at the centre of his interaction with students. The Congress has projected the initiative primarily as a platform for listening to young people and discussing challenges related to education, employment and their future.

BJP and RSS Also Step Up Youth Outreach

Gandhi’s Indore programme comes amid increased political activity in Madhya Pradesh. BJP National President Nitin Nabin has also been in the state, while RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has undertaken engagements in the Malwa region around the same period. Media reports have interpreted the parallel activities as part of the wider political focus on young voters and students.

Nabin also criticised Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ initiative during his visit to Ujjain, alleging that the programme was being used to suppress voices within the Congress. This was his political allegation, rather than an established fact.

Growing Focus on Young Voters

The Congress has sought to expand ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ beyond individual cities, placing students and young people at the centre of its outreach strategy. Reports suggest that the Indore programme has attracted substantial student registrations, although the figures cited by political leaders and media reports should be treated as claims rather than independently verified attendance numbers.

The BJP and RSS, meanwhile, have also been conducting youth-oriented programmes in Madhya Pradesh. The parallel outreach reflects the increasing importance political parties are attaching to young voters.

Venue Dispute Adds to Political Attention

The Indore event has also drawn attention because of arrangements for the venue. The Congress initially sought to hold the programme at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but later shifted it to land near the Regional Park. The Indore Development Authority subsequently demanded an additional ₹4.03 lakh from the Congress for use of part of the leased land before the approved period. The Congress disputed the demand and alleged administrative pressure.

Eyes on September 19

With the fifth edition of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ scheduled for September 19, the focus will be on the issues Rahul Gandhi chooses to raise and the response from students.

Whether the Indore programme remains primarily centred on education and employment or expands further into broader questions of social justice, representation and politics will become clearer during the event.