Congress Leaders Defend Rahul Gandhi's Campus Rally Amid BJP Allegations

The “Students’ Echo” gathering in Pune, hosted by Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, sparked a wave of statements from both sides of the aisle. While BJP MLA Shrikant Panditrao Bharati labeled the program a publicity stunt, Congress leaders rallied behind the speaker.

MP Praniti Shinde described the event as a historic platform for youth voices, highlighting the party’s aggressive stance on recent paper‑leak controversies and its commitment to democratic values. Senior leader Satej Patil praised Gandhi’s outreach to younger generations, calling the rally a reminder of the state’s legacy of reformers like Shivaji Maharaj and Savitribai Phule.

The BJP’s critique centered on alleged manipulations and a perceived focus on Delhi, whereas the Congress narrative framed the event as a genuine attempt to connect with students across the nation.