Bhopal Welcomes Rahul Gandhi: Workers’ Enthusiasm Leads to Pushing, Falling
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bhopal to launch the party’s ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan,’ but his welcome turned chaotic as enthusiastic workers broke through security barriers.
National News: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bhopal to launch the party’s ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan,’ a campaign to strengthen its base in Madhya Pradesh. His visit drew hundreds of enthusiastic Congress workers to Raja Bhoj Airport, but the excitement turned chaotic. Supporters broke through police barriers at Khanugaon in Lalghati, pushing and shoving to get close to Gandhi’s convoy. Several fell on the road, highlighting their zeal but raising safety concerns.
The Reason for the Visit
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, came to Bhopal to kick off a major organizational overhaul for the Congress, which has faced setbacks in Madhya Pradesh since losing power in 2003. At Ravindra Bhavan, he met district and block presidents, AICC observers, and state leaders like Jitu Patwari and Kamal Nath. The ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ aims to rebuild the party from the grassroots, energizing workers for future elections after losses in the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Chaos at Lalghati
As Gandhi’s convoy moved from the airport to the Congress headquarters in Shivaji Nagar, workers lined the streets, waving flags and chanting slogans. At Khanugaon, the crowd surged forward, overwhelming the 500-strong police force. Some supporters fell while trying to reach Gandhi’s car, and police struggled to clear the path. Social media posts captured the disorder, with many praising the workers’ passion but urging better crowd control to avoid injuries.
Party’s Push for Revival
Gandhi’s seven-hour visit included meetings with over 50 AICC observers and the state’s Political Affairs Committee. Leaders like Umang Singhar and Arun Yadav called the campaign a fresh start to reclaim Congress’s foothold in Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP won 163 seats in the 2023 Assembly polls. The initiative, planned since the Congress Working Committee meeting in Belagavi in 2024, focuses on new district presidents and grassroots strength.
Moving Forward
Despite the chaotic welcome, Gandhi’s visit sent a strong message of unity to Congress workers. The party hopes to channel this enthusiasm into organizational growth. However, the incident underscores the need for better planning to ensure safety at such events. As Congress rebuilds, Gandhi’s Bhopal visit marks a hopeful step toward a stronger future in Madhya Pradesh.
