Rahul's four-day roadshow programme ends

Raichur, Mar 28 (UNI) AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today ended his four-day roadshow programme, intended to reach out to the people in eight districts of Karnataka, by visiting a school for destitute children in the district.

The Youth Congress leader was accorded a warm reception when he arrived here by party workers. later, he unveiled a statue of his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in front of a super specialty hospital, funded by OPEC, named after his father.

Union Minister Prithviraj Chauhan and KPCC President Mallikarjun Kharge accompanied Mr Gandhi.

While interacting with school children, he quizzed them with some questions and posed for photographs.

Earlier, he stayed at Koodalasangama, the pilgrimage centre built in the memory of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara, on the banks of Krishna river and paid tributes.

He also visited some of the shrines inside the pilgrimage centre before embarking on his roadshow programme.

Mr Gandhi was given a tumultous reception by farmers and workers of Hutti Gold Mines in Lingsugur. He also interacted with panchayat members of Mallaka village.

While addressing farmers in Sirwar, he regretted that though Karnataka had been put on fast track of development, many of the regions in the state still lagged behind. Steps should be taken to remove regional imbalance in the state, he said.

During the roadshows, Mr Gandhi interacted with cross sections of the society, including dalits, students, IT and BT professionals, farmers and labourers.

He also briefly addressed over 25-30 roadside meetings and launched membership drive for the Youth Congress, as the party was gearing up to face Assembly elections in May.

Mr Gandhi was also scheduled to interact with scientists at Indian Institute of Science (IISC) premises tonight. He would address a public meeting, organised by state Youth Congress, at Byatarayaapura grounds tomorrow and host a Editors' get together.

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