Prayagraj: A poster war erupted in Prayagraj on Saturday ahead of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s visit, with posters targeting him over issues concerning students in Jharkhand and his stand on NEET appearing at several locations across the city. The identity of those behind the posters remained unclear, but their appearance pushed up the political temperature ahead of Gandhi’s scheduled ‘Chattron Ki Goonj’ programme.However, the posters were later removed from several locations by his supporters.Among the posters displayed were slogans such as “Kab aaoge mere Rahul, tumhein Jharkhand bulata hai” (When will you come, Rahul? Jharkhand is calling you), “Jo bhaag kar Prayagraj aaye, woh Jharkhand jaane se kyun ghabraye?” (Why is one who ran to Prayagraj afraid of going to Jharkhand?) and “Jab Jharkhand ke chhatra nyay maang rahe hain, Rahul Prayagraj drama karne kyun aaye?” (When students in Jharkhand are demanding justice, why has Rahul come to Prayagraj for a drama?).Another poster targeted Gandhi over the NEET issue, carrying the slogan: “NEET par hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai, Prayagraj wow… Jharkhand chhee.” The posters questioned Gandhi’s political position on student-related issues, NEET and his decision to visit Prayagraj.None of the posters carried the name of any political party, organisation or individual. As a result, it could not be immediately established who had put them up. No person or organisation had claimed responsibility for the posters till Saturday afternoon.The posters surfaced as Congress workers put up their own hoardings and banners across prominent city routes to welcome Gandhi and promote his ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme at KP College Ground. The programme is scheduled to focus on issues including NEET, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, paper leaks, unemployment, and concerns of students and youth.Meanwhile, Congress workers have made extensive preparations for Gandhi’s visit, during which he is scheduled to interact with students and young people. With the rival posters appearing just hours before the event, the political contest surrounding the visit has acquired an added edge.
