Congress plans massive student outreach campaign across 800 cities before 2029 election

The Congress has decided to scale 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' to as many as 800 cities over the coming months, transforming the student interaction initiative into a nationwide youth outreach exercise ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha election.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is likely to address 28 student interaction programmes as part of the expanded campaign, covering at least one major city in every state. Gandhi has already addressed student programmes in Kota, Prayagraj, Dehradun and Pune, with another interaction scheduled in Indore.

Rapid expansion across 100 cities

Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal has instructed party leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who oversees the functioning of frontal organisations including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), to immediately scale up the campaign to 100 cities by appointing coordinators. The Congress Working Committee approved the expansion plan at its meeting on August 19.

Gandhi's tour will take him to campuses and cities beyond the party's traditional political engagements. In the Northeast, he will probably go to Guwahati; in Bihar, Patna and Purnea; and in Jharkhand, he will address students in Ranchi, according to a party insider familiar with the programme.

Battle for young voters intensifies

The campaign assumes significance as the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party intensify their efforts to retain or win over young and first-time voters. Since 2013, the BJP has built a formidable youth outreach architecture through its organisational network and extensive digital presence, while the Congress has been a latecomer.

With growing concerns over issues such as unemployment, education, competitive examinations, economic opportunities and political representation for young people, the Congress is seeking to pitch Gandhi as someone representing young voices.

For the Congress, the challenge is to convert the student interactions into an enduring political network and, eventually, electoral support for 2029.

Source: The Hindu