Coolies converge at conclave; thanks Sonia

Kanpur, Mar 31 (UNI) Over 200 local coolies today converged at Nana Rao Park to express their gratitute to the AICC president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi in the Congress convention here for initiating steps for their promotion.

Dressed in their traditional attire, Kanpur central Railway station coolies reached the spot shouting slogans ''Sonia-Rahul Zindabad.'' For the first time in the history of Indian politics, such a large number of coolies had reached in any political conclave.

Earlier, Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad had announced a railway employee status to the coolies in this year's railway budget.

Meanwhile, congress workers complained about the mismanagement in organising the convention.

They claimed that they were not served proper meals during the lunch hours, and few workers clashed with each other for the same, reportedly.

However, the management countered the charges saying there was enough food for all.

The party members also expressed dissatisfaction over the supply of potable water through out the convention.

On the other hand, the city was flooded with the banners and posters of Congress legends, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, during the two-day UPCC convention started here yesterday.

Over dozens of entrance and exit gates were setup at Nana Rao Park, the venue of congress convention.

Besides, other preparations for the grand Congress conclave.

UNI AKM PDM MIR VC2145