Bhubaneswar, September 16, 2026: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Odisha in October for a proposed ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said on Tuesday.
The proposed event is expected to bring together around 20,000 young people, with the programme focusing on issues concerning Gen-Z, according to Das. The state Congress has sent a proposal seeking Rahul Gandhi’s participation in the programme.
Rahul Gandhi Odisha Visit Linked to Youth Outreach
The proposed Rahul Gandhi Odisha visit comes as the Congress state unit increases its organisational and outreach activities ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections.
The ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme is intended to provide a platform for students and young people. Congress has previously organised similar student-focused programmes in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune, according to PTI.
The exact date of Rahul Gandhi’s proposed Bhubaneswar programme has not been confirmed. The Congress has requested a date from the party leadership for the October event.
Congress Plans More Programmes Ahead of Panchayat Polls
The Odisha Congress is also preparing a series of organisational programmes across the state in view of the upcoming Panchayat elections.
According to Bhakta Charan Das, the party plans to begin a padayatra from Nabarangpur on October 2, with Congress workers participating in the programme. Committees will monitor the padayatras.
The State Election Commission has indicated that Odisha’s Panchayat elections are expected to be held in phases in March and April 2027, while urban local body elections are expected to follow.
The Congress has also been reorganising its state-level structure ahead of the local elections. Earlier in September, the party constituted a 29-member political affairs committee as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational base in Odisha.
Focus on Gen-Z Issues in Bhubaneswar
The proposed Bhubaneswar programme will focus on concerns affecting younger people and the Gen-Z population, according to the OPCC president.
Around 20,000 youths are expected to participate, although the final arrangements and Rahul Gandhi’s participation remain subject to confirmation.
For now, the Rahul Gandhi Odisha visit remains a proposed October programme rather than a confirmed visit. Further details about the date and venue are expected once the party finalises the schedule.
