Mumbai: Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi has responded to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s words on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the controversy in the aftermath of the latter’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme.
The political exchange comes after a dispute developed over Rahul Gandhi’s mimicry performance in Indore during a student-led event. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Gandhi for the same and suggested that the Congress leader should resort to stand-up comedy.
Azmi said Rahul Gandhi’s concerns for students should be viewed positively based on Gandhi’s educational background and that political attention should focus on issues affecting young people and the country’s future.
In response to this, Azmi said political mimicry and personal remarks against leaders should not overshadow larger issues around education, employment and national development.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Devendra Fadnavis' remarks on Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event, SP MLA Abu Asim Azmi says, "...The fact that Rahul Gandhi is voicing the concerns of students is a positive thing—he is an educated man, after all... Just think about the… pic.twitter.com/RQrP9g5jty
— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2026
Azmi also referred to the criticisms and names directed at Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over the years. He argued that such incidents should not become the central focus of political discourse.
Instead, he called for attention to issues that directly affect citizens, particularly students and young people. His remarks were on upgrading the education system, creating better opportunities for children and working towards economic growth.
The comments are in line with Chhatron Ki Goonj in gaining political attention. Rahul Gandhi’s campaign has focused on students’ education, jobs and examination issues. His campaign calls the initiative a forum for students to make their voices heard about the education system.
The Indore event on September 19 was also at the centre of a political dispute when a comedian did a mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP attacked the show, while Congress leaders defended the show and claimed the performance was satire.
The debate has since expanded into a wider political discussion, with leaders of both sides commenting on the event and its political messaging. Meanwhile, the Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign continues to engage with students and make education a focus point.
Azmi’s comments bring us back to education, jobs, poverty reduction and economic growth. He said political leaders must be in touch about how India can strengthen its economy, improve opportunities for young people and work towards becoming a leading global economic power.
His response is another voice in the debate over whether political discussion around the event should be focused on mimicry or the student-related issues raised during the programme.
