The Kayastha Pathshala Trust in Prayagraj revoked permission for the booking of the Chaudhary Nehal Singh Cricket Academy ground. The venue was scheduled to host Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s proposed student interaction under the Congress’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign on August 8. Additionally, the trust issued a cancellation notice despite receiving an advance booking amount. It had also issued prior approvals.
Documents show the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee applied on July 30 to reserve the ground from August 4 to August 8. Handwritten approvals were granted for five days to erect and dismantle tents. However, this was subject to a cleaning charge of ₹50,000. The party deposited ₹51,000 via NEFT. For this, a formal receipt was issued.
KP Trust Cites High Court Directives and Monsoon Damage
In its cancellation letter issued on Wednesday, the Kayastha Pathshala Trust stated that the venue could not be utilized for non-academic events. Furthermore, the management cited an Allahabad High Court order. The order that educational activities at neighboring institutions must remain uninterrupted.
The trust noted that rain could damage the playing surface. Ground restoration would take several days, disrupting ongoing classes and student sports.
The management advised the Congress party to reschedule the event for vacations. Or After the rainy season. It said that the advance deposit would be refunded.
Congress Alleges Political Pressure and Vows to Proceed
Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Rai criticized the sudden cancellation, alleging political pressure from the ruling government. Rai noted that a wedding function had been hosted at the same ground recently without objections.
Congress leaders affirmed that preparations were already underway when the cancellation notice arrived. Party officials are engaging with district authorities to secure an alternative ground nearby.
The Congress leadership emphasized that the scheduled student interaction will move forward in Prayagraj on August 8. This will happen regardless of venue adjustments.
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