Kathmandu— Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticized the withdrawal of venue permission for the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' program scheduled to take place at Prayagraj’s K.P. Ground on August 8, questioning what the administration was afraid of from this student welfare event. The Kayastha Pathshala Trust revoked the permission citing academic concerns and an Allahabad High Court order.

Revocation of Venue Permission

The management of KP College revoked the permission earlier granted for the use of its sports ground, stating that students' academic activities should not be disrupted. In a letter to the City Congress Committee President in Prayagraj, Acting President Chaudhary Jitendra Nath Singh cited inputs from the college principal and an Allahabad High Court order dated August 14, 2025, which emphasized no disruption to students' academic activities.

The management expressed concern that rain could damage the outdoor sports ground, making repairs difficult and time-consuming. They also noted that holding the event would affect two schools’ activities.

Congress Leader's Response

Following the cancellation, Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted that Rahul Gandhi’s proposed 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' program would go ahead as scheduled. He accused the BJP of trying to obstruct the event because they were “afraid” of the Leader of the Opposition.

"They are afraid of Rahul Gandhi," said Khera, adding, "You can see it for yourself; they are afraid of him inside Parliament, and they are afraid of him outside as well. Let them be afraid; we will continue to keep them on edge…. This is the power of the students. This is the power of Rahul Gandhi. This is the power of the Opposition. Their fear will not succeed against this. We will continue our work, and this program will definitely take place."

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.