Ahead of Rahul Gandhi visit NSUI-ABVP clash at Pune’s engineering college

Ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Pune, activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students Union of India (NSUI) engaged in a clash at the College of Engineering Pune (COEP). The dispute began when a video surfaced featuring a COEP student expressing her discontent over the college charging excessive fees. She claimed that she was manipulated into making the remarks due to pressure from NSUI and Congress activists. The girl subsequently apologized, stating the video was wrong.

The video sparked accusations from both sides. ABVP leader Atharva Kulkarni alleged that the Congress party was exposed by the video, which led to around 150 NSUI activists breaching COEP premises and assaulting female students. When some boys attempted to intervene, the NSUI activists retaliated against them as well.

Prathamesh Abnave, Vice President of Maharashtra Youth Congress, alleged that a COEP student had spoken positively about Rahul Gandhi to the media. In response, ABVP members allegedly manipulated the situation, causing the girl to lock herself in her room. The Maharashtra Youth Congress arrived at the scene and protested. Subsequently, clashes ensued between ABVP and NSUI activists, as well as with the police.

Congress claimed that one of its activists sustained an injury during the altercation and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. Police personnel arrived in COEP to quell the unrest, and additional Congress party leaders visited the location. Law enforcement maintained a presence at the college premises until late into the night. Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to attend a student interaction event, "Chhatron Ki Goonj," in Pune on the evening of August 22.