Pune police impose 30 conditions on Rahul Gandhi's student event
The Modi government is reportedly uneasy about the large student turnout at Rahul Gandhi's event.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Students' Echo' programme is drawing large crowds of students, causing concern for the Modi government. The enthusiasm seen among students at Rahul Gandhi's event in Prayagraj has led the Centre to instruct all BJP-ruled state governments to impose such restrictions and conditions that students become discouraged from attending these programmes.
For Rahul Gandhi's 'Students' Echo' programme scheduled in Pune on 22nd August, the police have granted permission with 30 conditions. These include a ban on objectionable banners and images, and ensuring that no one's religious sentiments are hurt during the event. This programme, dedicated to students, will discuss various issues including education, safety, equality, competitive exams, and career opportunities.
The permission order issued by the police on Wednesday states that the programme will be held from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the SSPMS College Ground near RTO Chowk. It is expected to see a turnout of around 8,000 to 10,000 people. Under the conditions, organisers have been instructed that,
No objectionable pictures, images, or banners should be displayed at the venue. Organisers will be held responsible for any untoward incident that could disturb law and order. It is the organisers' responsibility to ensure that no one's religious sentiments are hurt during the programme.
Maharashtra Congress Vice President Mohan Joshi stated,
The police have granted permission for the programme, and the organisers will comply with all conditions. The police have imposed a total of 30 conditions while granting permission.
The police have directed organisers to ensure adequate security arrangements, separate facilities for men and women, sufficient entry and exit gates, and arrangements for drinking water, toilets, fire safety equipment, and parking.
Organisers have also been asked to deploy private security personnel, including female security staff. Additionally, a large number of volunteers, especially female volunteers, are to be deployed. CCTV cameras covering the entire venue must be operational both day and night. Organisers are also required to adhere to the Supreme Court's directives on permissible sound levels, as well as the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The use of drones for photography at the venue is prohibited.
Additionally, emergency routes for police, medical, and fire services must be kept open.
The programme's permission is conditional on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the traffic department. The police have stated that any illegal activity affecting law and order could lead to the cancellation of the permission. According to the police, if any dispute arises regarding the venue, the permission will be immediately revoked.
Meanwhile, Pune police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city for 14 days from Tuesday until 31st August. These restrictions include bans on public gatherings and effigy burning. These measures have been implemented ahead of upcoming festivals and the Congress programme. The police have cited security concerns related to festivals and protests under the Maharashtra Police Act. However, Congress leader Pawan Khera has claimed that this order has been issued to obstruct Rahul Gandhi's programme.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched the 'Students' Echo' campaign on 17th June from the coaching hub of Kota in Rajasthan to address issues in the education sector and challenges faced by students. He subsequently addressed the second and third programmes of this campaign on 17th July in Dehradun and 8th August in Prayagraj, respectively.