Full Breakdown
Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” event sparks Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) backlash over Modi mimicry
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Core Event
On September 19, 2026, the Congress-led “Chhatron Ki Goonj” student outreach programme was held in Indore. Stand-up comic Pulkit Mani impersonated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repeating the phrase “my friend,” mimicking Modi’s diplomatic greetings and referencing a coin-trick the prime minister once performed with children. Rahul Gandhi joined the act, replying “How are you, Modi ji?” and laughing as the routine continued. The performance was recorded and quickly circulated on social media, prompting a sharp political row.
Background & Context
“Chhatron Ki Goonj” is the fifth edition of Gandhi’s student-focused tour, previously staged in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune. The event was relocated to a temporary ground opposite Regional Park after local authorities denied permission for the originally planned venue.
Data & Statistics
During his speech, Gandhi cited education-budget trends, stating that the share fell from 4.6 percent in 2014 to 2.6 percent presently. He claimed that 7.7 lakh crore rupees earmarked for education had been diverted to billionaire interests, naming Adani and Ambani, and warned that 1.5 crore scholarships had been withdrawn and 1 lakh government schools had shut, with 55 percent of closures in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh chief minister described Gandhi’s conduct as “extremely shameful, condemnable and unbecoming,” linking it to an insult to Indian culture and women.
- CR Kesavan, BJP national spokesperson alleged that Gandhi’s participation endorsed “cheap, vulgar trolls” who insulted “Naari Shakti” by mocking a frail elderly woman, contrasting the act with Modi’s “thoughtful gesture” of providing a chair for an aged elder.
The Congress has not issued a formal apology; party officials have framed the performance as a satirical critique of the government’s education policies.
Criticism & Opposition
BJP leaders framed the incident as a breach of civilised discourse, emphasizing disrespect to women and mothers. They argued that such “uncouth culture” explains the Congress’s failure to connect with youth, citing recent defeats of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) in Delhi University elections where the ABVP secured three of four central posts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No decent, right-thinking person would have found these foul-mouthed, third-rate antics amusing but Rahul Gandhi was seen laughing aloud on the stage he was sharing with them. Such uncouth culture endorsed by Rahul Gandhi is the reason why he and the Congress have failed to resonate with the youth,” — CR Kesavan, BJP national spokesperson
- “Congress Party has become a Party of Comedians & Jokers!” — Kiren Rijiju, union minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the financial details of the venue lease. One report notes a payment of Rs 10.08 lakh for the temporary ground from September 17-19, while another mentions an additional demand of Rs 4.03 lakh for alleged extra usage beginning September 14. No source provides a final reconciled figure. The extent of public reaction beyond BJP criticism is not uniformly documented across outlets.