Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Pune for the latest edition of his ‘Chhatro Ki Goonj’ initiative, an interaction programme aimed at giving young women a platform to raise their concerns and discuss issues affecting them. The Pune event was organised exclusively for female students.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, who addressed the gathering, highlighted the challenges women continue to face while trying to establish themselves in society and public life. She said the programme provides female students with an opportunity to speak openly about their experiences and concerns.
Shrinate also launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing the party and the state government of contributing to a regressive environment in Maharashtra. She contrasted this with the state's history of social reform led by prominent women.
Calling for an end to patriarchal structures, Shrinate said women should be treated as equal participants in society and politics rather than merely as a vote bank or as objects of worship.
The Pune edition comes after earlier ‘Chhatro Ki Goonj’ programmes in Kota, Dehradun and Prayagraj. Students at the Pune event raised concerns related to education, examination paper leaks, rising fees and employment opportunities.
The programme also became a point of political confrontation. Ahead of the event, tensions were reported between ABVP and NSUI members at the COEP Technological University hostel campus. The BJP and Congress traded allegations over the organisation and participation of students at the event.
