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Rahul woos voters by reaching out to people in distress

Rahul Gandhi

Varanasi: After controversial statements on Babri mosque demolition and creation of Bangladesh during campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, young Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is wooing voters by trying to reach out to people who are in distress. Congressmen are upbeat over two "unscheduled visits" of Rahul to meet affected people during his busy poll schedule with political observers saying he may be sending a message that he has learnt the nitty-gritty of politics.

Rahul, who made a visit to Khaga in Fatehpur district on April 27 after Congress candidate Munnalal Maurya had lost his life in a road accident during campaigning, not only consoled the family members but also spent over half an hour with them and assured all possible help to them.

"Rahulji's visit was unexpected but sent a good message in the party cadres. He has proved that he is here to work for the people", said a Congress worker Hiralal, who was standing outside the residence of Maurya, while Rahul paid a visit there.

Rahul's surprise visit to Deoria on April 29 after he heard the news that Youth Congress activists were allegedly beaten by the policemen while they were taking out the Nav Nirman Abhiyaan Yatra is also seen as an attempt to portray that he is with youths.

"With his visit to police station to see the injured party activists he has proved that he is with youths and party workers," said Akhilesh Pratap Singh, Congress candidate from Rudrapur constituency in Deoria adding that workers were upbeat following his arrival.

"Such atrocities on our workers are not acceptable. It's a goondaraj in Uttar Pradesh," Mr. Gandhi had said while assuring them to take the matter to the authorities concerned. In Jaunpur, a large number of youths gathered at Rahul's roadshow to have a glimpse of him despite the scorching heat in the afternoon. Abdul Wahid, a Class 11 student, said Rahul was the undisputed youth leader of the country.

"There is no youth leader of his stature in India. Unlike Rahul those who are in politics are of regional profile and we are proud that he wants to work for Uttar Pradesh," said Wahid. -- PTI

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