Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Student’s Viral Kiss Highlights Rahul Gandhi’s Pune Youth Event
Rahul Gandhi attended a student interaction event in Pune.
While he was taking selfies, a student kissed him on the cheek.
Gandhi looked surprised but briefly spoke with her and shook her hand.
He then left the stage with his security team.
A video of the moment spread widely on social media.
At the event, Gandhi spoke about women’s independence and challenged patriarchal attitudes.
BJP leaders said the programme would not achieve much and questioned its purpose.
Congress leaders defended the event and said young people had responded strongly.
A young student kissed Rahul Gandhi on the cheek during the Pune event.
The interaction occurred as Gandhi posed for selfies before leaving the stage.
Gandhi briefly acknowledged the student, shook her hand, and left with security personnel.
The video spread widely online and reportedly received more than 245,200 views on X.
The event prompted criticism from BJP leaders and a rebuttal from Congress.
- Who
- Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and an unnamed student were involved; BJP and Congress leaders later commented.
- What
- A student kissed Gandhi on the cheek during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event, whose video went viral.
- When
- The event date is not specified; a related social-media post was dated August 23, 2026.
- Where
- At the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The student approached Gandhi while he was posing for selfies; the programme focused on students, women’s independence, and empowerment.
Congress and Gandhi’s Supporters
BJP Critics
Purpose of the event
Congress and Gandhi’s Supporters
Congress presented the programme as a meaningful interaction with young people focused on students, women’s independence, and empowerment.
BJP Critics
BJP leaders questioned the programme’s purpose and said it relied on general political rhetoric rather than addressing students’ concerns.
Impact of Gandhi’s message
Congress and Gandhi’s Supporters
Congress said the strong response from young people showed that Gandhi’s interaction had resonated with attendees.
BJP Critics
Murlidhar Mohol said the programme would not achieve anything and had no real impact.
Event organisation
Congress and Gandhi’s Supporters
Sachin Sawant alleged that the ruling alliance created logistical difficulties for people attending the Pune event.
BJP Critics
The supplied reports do not provide a specific BJP response to that logistical allegation.
- Event
- ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ youth-focused interaction
- Location
- Pune, Maharashtra
- Main incident
- An unnamed student gave Rahul Gandhi a quick kiss on the cheek.
- Online reach
- The video reportedly received more than 245,200 views on X.
- Gandhi’s message
- Women’s empowerment should include ownership of one’s life economically, professionally, and personally.
- Political criticism
- Murlidhar Mohol said the programme would not achieve anything and questioned its impact.
- Congress response
- Sachin Sawant said the BJP was reacting to the strong response to Gandhi’s interaction and alleged logistical difficulties for attendees.
