Rajnath first BJP chief to visit Bapu Kuti

Sewagram, Maharashtra, Jan 10 (UNI) Mr Rajnath Singh today became the first BJP President to visit 'Bapu Kuti', a memorial to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, here in Wardha district.

Mr Singh paid homage to the Mahatma shortly before formally launching the party's two-day 'Kisan Yatra' in Vidarbha this afternoon.

Later, speaking to reporters, Mr Singh said Gandhism held relevance even today. Since Mahatma Gandhi had mobilised farmers in the country in the fight against British rule he decided to launch the 'Kisan Yatra' from here, he added.

He also signed the visitors' register at Bapu Kuti. He wrote: ''This place has been blessed by the presence of Mahatma Gandhi. I am honoured to be here. It will be an inspiration for generations to come.'' Accompanied by BJP general secretary Gopinath Munde, Maharashtra unit chief Nitin Gadkari and others, Mr Singh was shown around by Shivshankar Pente and Kusumtai Pande, who look after the day-to-day management at Bapu Kuti.

It was from Sewagram that Gandhiji guided India's freedom struggle for several years, and it was here that the decision to launch the 'Quit India' Movement against the British had been made.

The place has been converted into a memorial now.

UNI AB OBB RL RS1752