Rahul Gandhi steps in to rejuvenate Congress party in UP

Lucknow, Aug 7 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has interacted with leaders in Uttar Pradesh to chalk out a strategy for the State Assembly elections, due in 2012.

Congress Party workers and supporters in large numbers gave Gandhi a grand welcome, as it was his first visit after the May 2009 general election.

"People from all walks of life have a lot of trust and faith in Rahul Gandhi. This faith wasn't seen with anybody else in the past. For the first time, I can sense such trust on a leader like him," said Rajesh Kumar, a Congress party worker.

AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh, five Ministers representing the state in the Central cabinet and former State Committee Chiefs attended the meeting.

The Congress Party is on a mission to wrest power in Uttar Pradesh, which will elect a fresh government in 2012.

Rahul, who represents the Amethi constituency, had led the party's campaign in the April-May general election.

The 2009 election saw the Congress tally go up from mere nine seats to a commendable 21 out of the state's 80 parliamentary seats. (ANI)