Despite Maya criticism Rahul stays night at Dalit's house

Amethi, May 17 (UNI) Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, least deterred by the criticism of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, once again spent a night at a Dalit's house in his parliamentary constituency here.

This was the second time this year, when Mr Gandhi has spent the night at a Dalit's house in his constituency sharing their simple dal, chawal and sleeping on a cot.

Yesterday, Mr Gandhi went to Wanpurwa village in Amethi block at around 2130 hrs and stayed at the house of Ramavtaur Pasi and Buddha Devi, both Dalits, till early morning.

According to sources, during that period the Congress leader held a 'choupal' on the veranda of their house and asked the people about the progress of NREGA, Self Help Groups(SHGs) besides other development works.

Before visiting Wanpurva, Mr Gandhi went to Ganeri village, where also he held a 'choupal' with the locals at a temple.

''The members of a SHG on the name of Gulabi Sammhu had direct interaction with the leader and they were asked by Mr Gandhi to seek all government support to make the group more strong and viable in the village,'' sources claimed.

In his direct conversation with the villagers, the local MP asked them to change their attitude and go before the government to seek their rights for employment and development of their areas. He also querried from the people whether Congress workers help them in their problems and how they were helping them in the development works.

Mr Gandhi also asked his host Dalit family about its problems and whether they have been provided with the benefits promised to them.

After the 'choupal' which ended at around 0130 hrs, the Congress youth icon had dinner served by the Dalit family and later slept on a cot at the verandah.

Mr Gandhi left the village at around 0230 hrs this morning, when the area was lashed by thunderstorm, sources said.

State Congress spokesperson Akhilesh Pratap Singh had also confirmed the night stay of Mr Gandhi at the house of the Dalits last night.

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