Rahul Gandhi to explore K'taka during visit

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

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

Mr Gandhi was expected to make 'village stay' during his tour.

However no specific places had been identified.

''Mr Gandhi himself will decide about his village stay at the last minute as he does not want to make it a pre-conceived programme,'' Mr Kharge added.

During his tour, Mr Gandhi would interact with young professionals, artisans, people of backward classes, tribals and minorities.

''He wants to hear their grievances, problems and challenges they face and find solutions,'' he said.

Denying the MP's proposed tour was with an eye on Assembly elections, Mr Kharge said it had been planned much earlier and the possible announcement of polls was only a 'coincidence'.

However, Mr Gandhi would always try to strengthen the party and enthuse young workers whereever he went, he said.

''Mr 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 the visit, the KPCC chief said.

State Youth Congress President Krishna Byregowda said Mr Gandhi would also make field visits to many places where UPA Government's flagship National Employment Generation Scheme was being implemented. He would also inspect works of soil conservation and many watershed programmes under progress.

AICC Youth Congress President Ashok Thanwar and General Secretary Meenakshi Natarajan were also present on the occasion.

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