The conditions, issued with permission for the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme, have drawn a political dispute because the police document invokes findings on organisers’ responsibilities from the commission set up after Rajiv Gandhi was killed at Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya said the reference was intended to clarify organisers’ duties in protecting a Z-plus category protectee and ensuring orderly arrangements.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari objected to the reference, saying the assassination should not have been brought into the permission process. He also linked the controversy to the withdrawal of Rahul Gandhi’s Special Protection Group cover in 2019. The BJP rejected the criticism, with state spokesperson Rakesh Singh Yadav arguing that the commission was cited to reinforce security precautions and organisers’ obligations.
The security checklist requires organisers to submit an affidavit specifying the anticipated attendance, including separate figures for men and women, and details of vehicles, routes and parking. Police may stop further entry once the approved capacity is reached. Organisers must also provide a scaled layout showing the stage, crowd sectors, entrances, exits and parking arrangements.
Crowds are to be divided into sectors of no more than 2,000 people, while a six-metre emergency corridor must remain clear. A 25-to-30-foot zone is required in front of the stage with double barricading, and separate arrangements have been sought for guests, students, volunteers and media personnel.
The instructions call for at least six entry gates and eight exit gates, each at least six metres wide. Screening arrangements are to include 20 door-frame metal detectors and 30 to 40 handheld detectors, alongside separate frisking arrangements for women. The temporary structures must have safety certification, while access to the stage is to be controlled and a separate exit provided.
Medical provisions include at least two doctors, four paramedics and four ambulances, along with drinking water, oral rehydration supplies and mobile toilets. Unauthorised drone operations are prohibited, loudspeakers must stop by 10 pm, and organisers are required to prepare for bad weather, evacuation and a mock drill. Construction and installations were to be completed by 6 pm on the preceding day to allow security checks and sealing of the venue.
The programme was originally proposed for September 12 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but was postponed after permission for that venue was denied. Congress then selected an Indore Development Authority ground opposite Regional Park for the September 19 interaction.
The authority leased 12,000 square metres to the party for September 17 to 19 after Congress deposited Rs 10.08 lakh. It later demanded another Rs 4.03 lakh after an inspection found that about 4,800 square metres had been used from September 14, before the approved lease period. Congress paid the additional amount, taking its payment for the site to about Rs 14.11 lakh.
Congress leaders have accused the state administration of creating hurdles for the programme, while the BJP has said the venue and payment requirements reflect normal rules governing use of public land. The dispute has continued alongside preparations for the event, which Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address at around 5 pm.
The IDA permission separately stated that the authority was providing only vacant land and that organisers were responsible for security arrangements, departmental clearances and sound-system approval. It also allowed additional rent to be charged for use outside the allotted dates. Police required organisers to give advance information on volunteers and participant movement, maintain access for emergency vehicles and keep designated routes unobstructed throughout the programme, adding administrative conditions to the detailed protective-security plan on Saturday evening.
