Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Congress Secures Indore Venue After Stadium Permission Dispute
Congress wanted to hold Rahul Gandhi’s student programme at an Indore stadium.
It says permission was not given, so it found another place.
The new site is land near the Regional Park.
Congress paid Rs 10.08 lakh to use it for three days.
The event will now be held on September 19.
Congress says the BJP delayed permission because it was worried about the programme.
The BJP denies this and says Congress is using the issue for political propaganda.
The programme will discuss problems such as exam leaks, costly education, recruitment problems, and unemployment.
Congress says around 1.5 lakh students have registered.
Congress leased 12,000 square metres near Indore’s Regional Park for Rahul Gandhi’s student event.
The three-day lease runs from September 17 to September 19 and cost Rs 10.08 lakh.
Congress said the event was shifted from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after permission was not granted.
The BJP said the stadium is restricted to sports and state-level government events under a court order.
Congress says about 1.5 lakh students have registered for the renamed “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, with the BJP and Indore civic authorities involved in the venue dispute.
- What
- Congress secured a temporary alternative venue for its “Chhatron Ki Goonj” student outreach programme.
- When
- The alternative site is leased from September 17 to September 19; the event is scheduled for September 19.
- Where
- On 12,000 square metres of land in front of the Regional Park in Indore, renamed “Bharat Jodo Maidan.”
- Why
- Congress says it changed venues after not receiving permission for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium; the BJP cites restrictions on stadium use.
Congress’s position
BJP’s position
Reason for venue change
Congress’s position
Congress leaders said the BJP government deliberately delayed permission because it was nervous about Rahul Gandhi’s event.
BJP’s position
The BJP said Congress was engaging in propaganda politics and rejected its accusations.
Stadium use
Congress’s position
Congress said it initially sought the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but did not receive permission and had to change the date and venue.
BJP’s position
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said an old Madhya Pradesh High Court order limits the stadium to sports and state-level government events.
Event branding
Congress’s position
Congress renamed the new venue Bharat Jodo Maidan and retained the student-outreach programme’s focus on education, recruitment, and unemployment issues.
BJP’s position
BJP state co-media in-charge Alok Dubey mocked the programme by suggesting its name should be changed from “Chhatron Ki Goonj” to “Jhooth Ki Goonj.”
- Alternative venue
- Land in front of Indore’s Regional Park, named Bharat Jodo Maidan by Congress
- Lease period
- September 17 to September 19
- Lease area
- 12,000 square metres
- Lease fee
- Rs 10.08 lakh
- Original venue
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
- Expected registrations
- Approximately 1.5 lakh students
- Programme issues
- Question paper leaks, expensive education, government recruitment irregularities, and unemployment