Congress alleges pressure on coaching centres ahead of student event

The Congress has accused Madhya Pradesh authorities of pressuring coaching centres and student hostels in Indore to discourage students from attending party leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme scheduled for Saturday.

Congress media and publicity department chairman Pawan Khera alleged that coaching centre operators were being asked to sign declarations taking responsibility for the safety of students attending the event. The allegations have not been independently established.

Police say forms are for safety monitoring

A senior police officer confirmed that self-declaration forms had been issued to coaching centres and hostels. According to the officer, similar forms had also been used during recent protests in the city and were intended to help authorities monitor student numbers and safety arrangements.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya said the reference to the Justice Verma Commission in the security instructions was intended to clarify the responsibilities of event organisers. He said authorities had also sought estimated attendance figures to ensure adequate security cover, and denied any improper motive.

A hostel owner in Indore’s Bhawarkuan area told The Hindu that police personnel visited his hostel with the form and asked him to maintain records of students attending the programme. He also alleged that BJP leaders had visited some centres and asked them to prevent students from attending, a claim that has not been independently verified.

Event faces extensive security conditions

The student programme is subject to a detailed security checklist covering crowd management, medical facilities, CCTV surveillance, emergency exits and entry arrangements. Police have also required organisers to deploy at least 1,500 volunteers, including 500 women.

The controversy comes amid a wider dispute over arrangements for the event, including its venue and related administrative requirements. Congress has alleged political pressure, while authorities have cited security and logistical considerations.