Rahul Gandhi files nomination after Congress show of strength in Amethi

Amethi, Apr 10: Congress president Rahul Gandhi filed his second nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi after Wayanad on Wednesday. Rahul was also accompanied by Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra and their two children to send a message that the entire family gives much importance to the Congress bastion

The Congress chief undertook a 3-km road show from Munshiganj-Darpipur to Gauriganj before filing the nomination.

The Congress chief and his family were greeted by party workers, who gathered in the city, despite hot weather conditions, to get a glimpse of their leaders.

Rahul Gandhi, who has been representing the constituency for the past 15 years, will this time again face BJP's Smriti Irani who is likely to file her nomination papers a day later on Thursday.

On his way, crowds on both sides of the road showered rose petals and marigold flowers on him and cheered for the Congress chief, who waved back at them.

Surging crowds of Congress supporters walked along Rahul's vehicle as it made its way to the Collectorate through areas in Munshiganj, Darpipur and Gauriganj.

Since morning, Congress supporters, wearing tricolour caps and scarves, were out on the streets holding placards and posters in preparation for their party president's visit.

They raised slogans and often broke into impromptu dance at the beat drums. The streets were lined with Congress flags and hoardings and posters with pictures of Rahul and party general secretary UP East Priyanka Gandhi.

Some banners read 'Vikas ki andhi, Priyanka Gandhi' and 'Amethi ka sansad, desh ka PM'.

Enthusiastic youngsters on motorcycles moved around making videos of the event on their mobile phones.

UPA chairperson Sonia, who was not part of the roadshow, reached the Collectorate to back her son. She will file her nomination papers from neighbouring Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday.

In the 2014 general elections, Irani was defeated by Rahul Gandhi by over one lakh votes.

This time, the Congress president is contesting from two Lok sabha constituencies.

Last Thursday, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad in Kerala and said he was contesting from a seat in South India as well to send a message of unity.

A Congress bastion, Amethi has been represented by several members of the Nehru-Gandhi family, including former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. In fact, parties other than the Congress have represented Amethi only for two brief spells in a 52-year period beginning in 1967.

The last time Amethi had a BJP MP was in 1998-99. Amethi goes to polls in the fifth phase on May 6.