Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Mission UP’ Begins: ‘Students’ Voice’ Event in Prayagraj Today, Congress Eyes Gen-Z Support Ahead of 2027 Polls

New Delhi: With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is stepping up efforts to strengthen the party’s connect with young voters. On Saturday, Gandhi is scheduled to visit Prayagraj for the Congress’s ‘Students’ Voice’ (Chhatron Ki Goonj) event, where he is expected to interact with students and youth on issues including unemployment, recruitment delays and examination paper leaks.

The Congress has made extensive preparations for the event, which is scheduled to be held at the KP Inter College ground in Prayagraj on Saturday evening. Rahul Gandhi is expected to reach the city around 2:30 PM, following which he will meet Congress leaders and party workers.

The meeting is likely to focus on organisational matters, strengthening the Congress network in Uttar Pradesh and chalking out the party’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Rahul Gandhi to Address Students and Youth

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to participate in the ‘Students’ Voice’ programme between 6 PM and 7 PM. During the interaction, he is expected to hear students’ concerns and highlight issues related to education, employment, recruitment and alleged paper leaks.

The Congress has positioned the programme as an important part of its campaign to establish a direct connection with young voters in Uttar Pradesh. The party hopes that issues affecting students and job aspirants will help it build stronger support among the younger generation, including Gen-Z voters.

Row Over Venue Permission

The event had earlier faced uncertainty after the management of KP Inter College reportedly withdrew permission to hold the political programme on its premises. The college management cited academic activities and the need to preserve the educational atmosphere of the institution as reasons for its decision.

Congress leaders, however, alleged that efforts were being made to prevent Rahul Gandhi’s programme from taking place.

Following discussions between Congress representatives and the college management, permission for the event was subsequently restored. With the venue cleared, Youth Congress and NSUI workers intensified preparations for the programme.

Congress Claims 1.78 Lakh Students Have Registered

The ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ initiative is being presented by the Congress as a major youth outreach campaign in Uttar Pradesh. The party says the programme has received a strong response, with around 1.78 lakh students registering for the event.

The Congress has also planned to live-stream the programme at more than 250 locations across Uttar Pradesh, allowing students and young people in other parts of the state to participate.

Ahead of his Prayagraj visit, Rahul Gandhi released a video message addressed to students, saying he wanted to hear their concerns and discuss issues surrounding employment and the future of the youth.

With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections still ahead, the Prayagraj event is being closely watched as part of the Congress’s broader strategy to rebuild its organisation and expand its appeal among students and young voters.