Indore: Congress on Saturday began preparations for the Sept 19 Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron ki Goonj” programme irrespective of a formal approval of the venue decided for the event, the land in front of Regional Park in Indore.
The inspection and preparation of the ground have begun and it will be ready for the mega event, Congress city president Chintu Choukse told TOI.
Congress has paid over Rs 10 lakh to IDA for use of the ground for three days. The party has claimed that around 1.5 lakh students have registered for the programme and that around 20,000-30,000 of them are expected to attend the youth conclave.
“We have paid the sum demanded for the use of land for three days. But a formal approval is awaited,” Choukse said.
The ground opposite Regional Park is spread over around 2.25 hectares. Based on an estimated requirement of five square feet per person, it could accommodate around 25,000 to 30,000 people. However, the actual capacity could be lower as separate space will be required for the stage, parking, security arrangements, ambulances and other facilities.
Congress had sought around 1.25 hectares of land for the programme. According to the IDA’s fixed rate, the rent was set at Rs 8.40 per square foot, resulting in a payment of around Rs 10 lakh, which was deposited by the party.
Congress had alleged that lower charges were being levied for other events while it was being asked to pay a higher amount. Officials, however, said the fee was determined on the basis of the area of land and its use.
Choukse said elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure the interaction between Rahul Gandhi and the youth. “Separate arrangements are made for the girls and boys to attend the event,” he said.
The Congress city president said it has received support from the tribal organisation Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) for Gandhi’s event. A recent meeting attended by Congress state in charge Harish Chaudhary, state Congress president Jitu Patwari, Manawar MLA Hiralal Alawa and JAYS office-bearers decided that the organisation would participate in the student-focused event.
Courtesy : TOI
Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights