The Indian National Congress has levelled serious allegations against the Madhya Pradesh police, accusing law enforcement agencies of intimidating owners of private coaching centres across multiple districts in the state in the run-up to a planned visit by senior party leader Rahul Gandhi. According to Congress spokespersons, unnamed police officials contacted several coaching academy proprietors and urged them not to allow their students to attend the rally, warning of potential legal action or other consequences if the event proceeded with large turnout.
The accused intimidation took place in several rural and semi-urban areas of Madhya Pradesh, where coaching centres serve as important gathering points for young voters and students — a demographic that political parties increasingly court during election seasons. Congress leaders stated that the threats were part of a coordinated effort to suppress attendance at what was expected to be one of the largest public meetings organised by the party in the state this year.
Madhya Pradesh police officials have denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. A senior police spokesperson stated that no such directives were issued to any coaching centre owners and that the force remains committed to ensuring public order while protecting the fundamental right of citizens to peacefully assemble.
The incident has reignited debate over the relationship between state law enforcement and political institutions in Madhya Pradesh, which has been governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party since 2003. Opposition leaders have previously raised concerns about alleged political bias within the state police apparatus, particularly during periods of heightened electoral activity.
Rahul Gandhi's visit to Madhya Pradesh is expected to focus on issues of unemployment, agricultural distress, and inflation — themes that have defined the Congress party's recent campaign strategy across central India. The party has framed the coaching centre episode as evidence of systematic efforts to silence dissent and control public participation in democratic processes.
