Thousands expected at Rahul Gandhi’s Pune event; no road closures, traffic police to monitor

A music concert organised by the party on Fergusson College Road on August 19 served as a prelude to Rahul Gandhi’s visit. A huge cut-out of Gandhi was also put up on the same road. “We saw unprecedented support from non-political women on the ground that day too,” said Akshay Jain, chairman of media and communications, Maharashtra Youth Congress.

Meanwhile, Kanhaiya Kumar, All India Congress Committee in-charge, NSUI, at a press conference in the city said, “25 schools are being closed every day, and the students who will be unable to study are the same ones for whom Savitribai Phule opened the first school in Pune. That is why the Leader of Opposition is coming to Pune and will talk only to women. He will try to send the message to the whole country that education is a fundamental right but is being converted into a privilege.”

On BJP’s opposition to the rallies, he said, “Opposition to the programme reflects an attempt to suppress voices seeking reforms in the education sector.”

No road closure for Rahul Gandhi’s event, traffic police to monitor various points

Although there are no road closures or diversions in Pune city in view of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ student interaction event on the evening of August 22, traffic police personnel would be deployed at different locations to control traffic, officials said.

According to police, a huge crowd is expected for the event to be held at SSPMS College ground near the RTO chowk in Pune city, between 4.30 pm and 10 pm.

Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil said there are no road closures or diversions due to the event. Traffic cops would be deployed at different locations to control the vehicular traffic on roads, he added.

The police have granted permission for the event on certain conditions, like complying with noise pollution norms, avoiding the use of drones for photography and videography, providing emergency access for police and fire brigade vehicles and ambulances, making sufficient vehicle parking arrangements, and not put any banners with offensive or objectionable content, officials said.

Besides, several police personnel would also be deployed at the venue and other locations to manage the law and order situation, they added.