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Congress scales up student outreach with 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign expansion

The Indian National Congress plans to expand its 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student engagement initiative across more than 800 cities, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi set to address 28 student interactions in the campaign's opening phase.

LSN India · 4 September 2026

Congress scales up student outreach with 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign expansion

The Congress party is launching an ambitious nationwide expansion of its 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student outreach programme, targeting a sprawling network of urban centres across India. The initiative represents a significant effort to mobilize the student demographic ahead of key political developments.

Rahul Gandhi, holding the position of Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, will spearhead the campaign's initial phase by conducting 28 direct student interactions across various locations. These engagements are designed to serve as the foundation for a broader grassroots movement addressing student concerns and political issues.

To sustain and scale the campaign beyond Gandhi's initial interactions, the Congress party plans to appoint dedicated coordinators in target cities. This structural approach aims to ensure consistent messaging and effective ground-level mobilization as the programme transitions from its pilot phase to full-scale implementation across the projected 800-plus urban centres.

The timing and scope of the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' expansion reflect the Congress party's strategic focus on youth engagement, a demographic traditionally considered crucial for electoral mobilization. The party's emphasis on appointing coordinators suggests a long-term commitment to sustaining student interactions and political dialogue beyond the initial phase of the campaign.