MUMBAI, Aug 22: The BJP on Saturday alleged that the Congress paid social media influencers to mobilise crowds for Rahul Gandhi's ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune, prompting a sharp response from the Opposition, which accused the ruling party of being rattled by Gandhi's growing support among youngsters.
BJP Maharashtra spokesperson Navnath Ban claimed that the Congress had offered influencers between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000 each to promote the event, cover travel expenses and bring people to the programme. He alleged that the Congress could have spent nearly Rs 9-10 crore on mobilising around 3,000 people.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP's Maharashtra headquarters, Ban dubbed the programme “Paise Ki Goonj” instead of “Chhatron Ki Goonj” and demanded an inquiry into the alleged source of the funds.
He also questioned whether the money had any links to foreign funding or financial transactions in Congress-ruled states.
BJP Maharashtra vice-president Keshav Upadhyay alleged that the Pune programme was being used to create a political platform for Gandhi under the banner of students' issues.
The Congress, however, rejected the allegations. Party spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of being “rattled” by Gandhi's growing popularity among Gen Z and alleged that authorities and ABVP members were attempting to create hurdles for the event.
Sawant said Gandhi would continue to raise issues concerning students and youth despite the alleged attempts to disrupt the programme.
NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Tapase also criticised the BJP, saying there was nothing wrong with a programme aimed at discussing issues faced by students and young people.
