Organizers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Melbourne event have rejected Congress allegations of a paid crowd. They have demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Organizers issued an open letter on 14 July 2026 rejecting claims that attendees at the 9 July Marvel Stadium event were paid. They stated around 30,000 people came voluntarily at their own expense.
The letter clarified that the chartered flight from Sydney was funded by participants or community support, not by the BJP or any government. Local volunteers managed arrangements.
Organizer Amit Karant said the remarks insulted the community's integrity. Three demands were made including withdrawal of allegations and a public apology.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also attended the event.
