Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Saturday, 8 August launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress over Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Prayagraj, alleging that the event drew only around 5,000 attendees despite nearly three months of preparation and claims of three lakh registrations.

Rajbhar's Turnout Charge

Rajbhar alleged that Congress had mobilised resources from 23 districts and spent heavily on tents, hoardings, and posters ahead of the Prayagraj event. He claimed that only approximately 5,000 people were visible at the venue — a fraction of the turnout the party had projected. Rajbhar said the numbers should serve as a reality check for Rahul Gandhi on Congress's actual political standing in Uttar Pradesh.

Attack on Congress's Focus on Students and Youth

The minister questioned Congress's credibility on student and youth issues, saying its leaders should first acquaint themselves with schemes already operational under the Uttar Pradesh government. He cited the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana, under which, he claimed, young entrepreneurs are provided loans without collateral or interest. According to Rajbhar, the scheme is designed to benefit five lakh young people, with more than two lakh already having availed it.

Paper Leak Allegations: Rajbhar Points to SP Era

On the question of paper leaks and examination irregularities — an issue Congress has raised — Rajbhar deflected blame toward the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government. He alleged that during that period, complaints of examination papers being sold and of organised cheating in competitive exams were rampant. He claimed that candidates would allegedly carry question papers to fields or take them home overnight, and that candidates from other states would travel to Uttar Pradesh specifically to exploit the system. He also alleged that money was sometimes demanded to facilitate cheating during that tenure.

Yogi Government's Recruitment Record

Rajbhar credited the Yogi Adityanath administration with providing more than nine lakh government jobs during its tenure, and alleged that monetary transactions in the recruitment process had been eliminated. He contrasted this with what he described as a culture of paid appointments under previous SP and Congress governments.

Congress's Organisational Weakness in UP

Rajbhar also took aim at Congress's organisational capacity in the state, noting that the party's state president and in-charge had earlier claimed the party would win a large number of seats. He argued that the thin attendance at the Prayagraj rally was a more accurate indicator of the party's grassroots support in Uttar Pradesh. The 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event was intended to mobilise student and youth constituencies ahead of future electoral contests in the state.