Aligarh : AICC general secretary, Rahul Gandhi began his mahapanchayat for farmers here on Jul 9 (today).
Congress workers and farmers gathered to attend the ‘kisan Mahapanchayat’ despite of heavy rains.
The villagers came in huge numbers travelling in trucks, buses and tractor trolleys early morning amid tight security at the Nomaish Ground.
Union Ministers Jitin Prasad and Sachin Pilot, Senior Congress leader Salman Khursid and state unit president Rita Bahuguna Joshi were present at the rally.
“We have come here because we are hopeful that Rahul Gandhi’s leadership will herald change in Uttar Pradesh,” said J P Singh, Congress leader, Meerut.
Rahul Gandhi’s padayatra (foot march) came to an end on Friday, Jul 8.
“I have learnt a lot after talking to you. I am young and from you I have gained a world of knowledge on land acquisition issues…I can never forget all this all my lifetime and the fact that I am taking back so much from you,” Rahul had said.
“You have the same knowledge as those sitting in the Planning Commission and those making the laws…What I have acquired from you here, I could never have acquired sitting in Delhi,” he said.
“The yatra was a mass awakening call for the farmers…I have already achieved what I set out to achieve. I am more than pleased. I wanted to bring this matter on the national radar and help farmers voice their concerns. I have done that,” said Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul, the young face of the Congress, visited 26 villages and covered 75 kilometers along the Yamuna expressway during his padayatra.
However, hurling its attack on the Congress leader, Mayawati’s BSP earlier had slammed Rahul’s padayatra and claimed, “Though Congress yuvraj had a night halt at the house of one person belonging to ”kanjar” caste in Marodgarhi village of Aligarh but he did not have food prepared there and it was ordered from outside for him while for his staff it was arranged at the house of the gram pradhan.”