Rahul tries to strike a chord with Ludhianvis

Addressing an impressive rally at the grain market near Jalandhar Bypass,Rahul started his speech with “Wahegur Ji Ka Khalsa,Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.” The audience went berserk after hearing this.

In his speech,Rahul tried to touch the pulse of the city by raking up the city-specific issues including the Buddha Nallah. Making a special mention of the pollution caused by the Budha Nallah,Tewari promised that the Centre will ensure that the drain gets cleaned and Ludhianvis get a healthy environment.

The AICC General Secretary said the UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh had given a grant of Rs 200 crore to Ludhiana under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM). He regretted that thousands of crores granted by the central government remained unutilised due to the sloth and inefficiency of the state government.

Rahul Gandhi also urged people to send Tewari to the Parliament as he was young. Listing out five young leaders contesting from Punjab,he said,“The composition of the new government would be entirely different and it is your responsibility to make these young leaders win,” he said. He added that to make India strong,“We need young and dynamic leaders.”

The rally was also addressed by the party general secretary and in charge Punjab,Mohsina Kidwai and the working president of the PCC,Lal Singh.

Sidelights

* Congress had hired famous Punjabi singer Babu Mann to entertain the audience till the time Rahul arrived at the venue. Mann belted out his popular numbers to keep the audience glued to their seats.

* The National Security Guards (NSG) who had come for the security of Rahul Gandhi,did not let even the Congress leaders and mediapersons enter the rally venue. Mediapersons had to argue with the NSG and the local police before entering the venue.

* As soon as Rahul climbed the stage,he was honoured with a turban and a sword.

* Owing to security reasons,the podium had been set up at a far off distance. A mediaperson quipped that perhaps the organisers have tried to ensure a ‘shoe-attack’ proof security.