Rahul Gandhi to explore Karnataka countryside during 5-day visit

Bangalore, Mar 20 (UNI) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will undertake a five-day state tour from March 25 to 'feel the pulse' of a cross sections of the people of Karnataka, KPCC Chief Mallikarjuna Kharge said today.

Travelling across the state, the young leader would also address two public meetings in Mangalore and Bangalore. The tour would start from Chamarajanagar, the most backward district in the state.

Mr Gandhi would also expected to hold 'village stay' during his tour however no specific places have been identified as desired by the party leader. "Mr Gandhi himself will decide about his village stay at the last minute as he wanted not to make it as a pre-meditated programme," he added.

During his tour, Rahul Gandhi would interact with cross sections of the society including young professionals, artisans, people of backward classes, tribals and minorities. "He wants to hear their grievances, problems and challenges they faced and find solutions, he said.

Denying that the MP had undertaken state tour keeping an eye on the assembly elections, Mr Kharge said that party's new General Secretary's programme was planned much earlier and possible announcement of polls to state assembly was only a 'coincidence'.

However, Mr Gandhi would always try to strengthen the party and inject zeal among the young workers, where ever he went, he said.

"Rahul Gandhi will visit Chamarajanagar, Heggadadevanakote, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Gadag, Bhagalkot, Raichur and Bangalore, he said.

The party which is gearing up to face the elections would immensely benefit from Rahul Gandhi's visit, the KPCC chief said.

State Youth Congress president Krishna Byregowda said that during his visit, Rahul Gandhi would also make field visits in many places where UPA government's flagship programme National Employment Generation Scheme was implemented. He would also inspect the works of soil conservation and many watershed programmes which were under progress during his tour.

AICC youth Congress president Ashok Thanwar, General Secretary Meenakshi Natarajan were also present on the occasion.

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