Pune: The Congress has secured police clearance for Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” rally in Pune on August 22, but the approval comes clubbed with 30 stringent conditions, including a ban on provocative banners and a strict warning against hurting religious sentiments.
The event, slated between 4.30 pm and 9.30 pm at the SSPMS College ground near RTO Chowk, is expected to draw between 8,000 and 10,000 attendees, according to the permission order issued on Wednesday.
Among the 30 stipulations, organisers have been explicitly told not to display any “objectionable” images, pictures or banners, and warned that they will be held accountable should any untoward incident trigger a law-and-order situation.
“No one’s religious sentiments should be hurt during the programme and responsibility for ensuring this will be on the organisers,” the order stated.
Maharashtra Congress vice president Mohan Joshi confirmed that the police have granted permission and said the party will abide by all the conditions.
“There are a total of 30 conditions set by the police while granting the permission,” he informed.
Security, Civic & Legal Compliance Mandated
The police directive also mandates comprehensive security and civic arrangements, including separate facilities for men and women, adequate entry and exit points, drinking water, toilets, fire-safety equipment and parking.
Organisers have been instructed to deploy private security personnel, including women guards, and to rely heavily on volunteers, particularly women, for crowd management.
CCTV cameras must cover the entire venue and remain operational throughout the day and night.
The order further requires compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on permissible noise levels, as well as provisions under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Use of drones for photography has been prohibited, and organisers must ensure that emergency access for police, medical and fire services remains unobstructed at all times.
The permission is subject to a no-objection certificate from the traffic department and can be revoked at any time if illegal activity affecting law and order is detected, the police said.
“If a dispute arises over the venue, the no-objection permission will be cancelled immediately,” they added.
City-Wide Curbs, Congress Cries Foul
These conditions come against the backdrop of 14-day prohibitory orders imposed across Pune from Tuesday until August 31, restricting public assemblies and effigy burnings, as reported by The New Indian Express.
While police cited security concerns ahead of upcoming festivals and protests as the reason for enforcing restrictions under the Maharashtra Police Act, Congress leader Pawan Khera has alleged that the move is aimed at disrupting Gandhi’s programme.
Gandhi launched the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign from Kota, a coaching hub in Rajasthan, on June 17 to highlight issues in the education sector and problems faced by students.
The campaign’s next two stops saw Gandhi speaking in Dehradun on July 17 and Prayagraj on August 8, marking the second and third legs of the outreach.