Rahul Gandhi announces all-girls 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' rally in Pune on Aug 22

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday announced that his party's upcoming 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' rally in Pune, scheduled for August 22, will be exclusively for girls. The announcement was made through a video posted on social media, in which he also interacted with protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

In the video, Gandhi praised the courage of India's young people, saying, "The courage with which India's youngsters have stood firm against PM Modi's violent regime, demanding accountability, is commendable." He added, "I am proud of every single young person - especially the girls who faced the BJP goons' misbehaviour, verbal abuse and violence, even being forced to apologise to the Prime Minister."

The Congress leader said the upcoming meeting would provide a platform for girls to voice their concerns. "But now their voices cannot be silenced. On Aug 22, Chhatron ki goonj is arriving in Pune - and this time, the event will be exclusively for girls. Now the girls will speak, and the country will listen," he said.

The 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' initiative is part of the Congress party's outreach to students and young voters ahead of upcoming elections. The Pune rally is expected to draw a large number of female students and youth from the region.

Political observers note that the announcement comes amid heightened political activity, with parties seeking to mobilise youth and women voters. The Congress has been focusing on issues of employment, education, and democratic rights in its campaigns.

While Gandhi's remarks were critical of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no immediate response was available from the BJP. The ruling party has often dismissed such allegations as politically motivated.

The details of the rally, including the venue and expected participants, are yet to be officially announced. The Congress is likely to release further information in the coming days.