Mumbai, Aug 22: A political confrontation erupted in Maharashtra on Saturday after the BJP accused the Congress of paying social media influencers to attract crowds to Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune, prompting the Opposition to dismiss the allegations and accuse the ruling party of being concerned about Gandhi’s growing support among young people.
BJP Maharashtra spokesperson Navnath Ban claimed that the Congress had offered influencers between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000 each to promote the event online and mobilise attendance. He alleged that the overall spending could have reached nearly Rs 10 crore.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP’s Maharashtra headquarters in Mumbai, Ban described the programme as “Paise Ki Goonj” instead of “Chhatron Ki Goonj”.
He claimed that videos had emerged showing alleged offers to social media influencers, including payments for promotion, travel and other expenses linked to the Pune programme.
Ban questioned the source of the alleged funds and demanded an investigation into the organisations and individuals purportedly involved in the payments.
He also sought scrutiny of whether the money had any connection with foreign funding or financial transactions involving Congress-ruled states.
The BJP spokesperson further questioned the authenticity of the crowd expected at Gandhi’s event, alleging that the Congress was attempting to portray paid mobilisation as a spontaneous response from students and young people.
BJP targets Gandhi over political outreach
BJP Maharashtra vice-president Keshav Upadhyay also criticised the programme, alleging that the event was being used to create a political platform under the banner of student issues.
He argued that Gandhi had failed to establish a consistent political narrative against the Narendra Modi-led Union government despite repeatedly raising allegations against it.
The BJP leaders maintained that the Pune programme was part of a wider political strategy aimed at strengthening Gandhi’s presence among younger voters.
Congress rejects allegations
The Congress rejected the BJP’s claims, with state spokesperson Sachin Sawant accusing the ruling party of being unsettled by the response Gandhi has been receiving from young people, particularly members of Gen Z.
Sawant alleged that efforts were being made to create obstacles for the Pune programme. He said criticism from the BJP reflected its apprehension about Gandhi’s growing engagement with students and youth.
He also alleged that authorities in Uttar Pradesh had released sewage water near the venue of a Gandhi programme in Prayagraj in an attempt to discourage young people from attending. The claims were part of the Congress’s broader allegation that attempts were being made to disrupt Gandhi’s youth outreach.
Sawant further alleged that restrictions had been imposed on the Pune event and accused members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad of high-handed behaviour on Friday.
He said such measures would not prevent Gandhi from continuing his political outreach to students.
NCP (SP) backs student dialogue
NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Tapase also criticised the BJP’s response to the event, accusing the party of displaying what he termed “intellectual bankruptcy” by questioning a programme focused on student concerns.
Tapase argued that democratic politics requires space for dialogue and said young people should have the freedom to listen to political viewpoints and decide whether to accept or reject them.
The controversy comes as political parties increasingly seek to connect with younger voters through student programmes, social media campaigns and direct engagement.
Gandhi’s Pune event, aimed specifically at female students, has therefore become a fresh flashpoint between the BJP and Opposition parties, with both sides attempting to frame the programme as a reflection of the political mood among the youth.
The BJP has focused on allegations surrounding crowd mobilisation and funding, while the Congress and NCP (SP) have presented the event as an opportunity for students to raise concerns and participate in political dialogue.