Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has commenced a significant two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency of Rae Bareli. The visit, which started on Tuesday, forms a crucial part of the party's ongoing nationwide campaign titled MGNREGA Bachao Sangram.
Arrival and Initial Schedule
Rahul Gandhi arrived at Lucknow Airport on Monday evening. He proceeded directly to Bhumau in Rae Bareli, where he spent the night. His official engagements began on Tuesday morning with a packed agenda focused on rural issues and local engagement.
Key Events on Tuesday
The first major event was a "MGNREGA Chaupal" held in the Unchahar area. This public gathering aimed to reaffirm the Congress party's commitment to the rights and dignity of rural workers. The chaupal serves as a direct response to the central government's recent legislative changes.
Following the chaupal, Gandhi embarked on a tour of several villages within his constituency. He plans to interact directly with residents, discussing pressing local concerns. These conversations will also address the implications of the newly introduced Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act. This Act, passed by the ruling BJP government, has formally replaced the older Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Sports and Community Engagement
In a lighter segment of his visit, Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cricket tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. The event saw the presence of former cricketer R P Singh, who also hails from Rae Bareli. This inauguration highlights the leader's focus on community activities beyond pure politics.
Meetings and Political Strategy
On the second day of his visit, Wednesday, Gandhi will shift his focus to internal party matters. He is scheduled to hold detailed meetings and interactions with Congress officials and grassroots workers. Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma will also be in attendance for these discussions.
This visit is not an isolated event. It is a coordinated component of the Congress party's broader protest strategy in Uttar Pradesh. AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal emphasized that the chaupal symbolizes the party's steadfast support for rural laborers.
Broader Congress Protest Movement
The Congress has been actively organizing sit-ins and demonstrations across various districts under the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram banner. The party has also planned a series of panchayat-level outreach programs throughout the state.
Last week, Congress workers staged protests in Varanasi. State unit chief Ajay Rai led a symbolic fast, while NSUI workers conducted a protest march from Banaras Hindu University to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's local office.
Earlier this month, the party leadership unveiled a comprehensive year-long protest plan. The first phase runs from January 10 to February 25 and includes peaceful sit-ins, Vidhan Sabha gheraos, and extensive panchayat-level outreach. State units have received instructions to ensure strong participation, effective mobilization, and thorough media coverage, with detailed reports to be submitted to the party high command.
Rahul Gandhi's two-day tour of Rae Bareli, therefore, represents both a local constituency engagement and a strategic move within a larger, organized political campaign challenging recent central government policies on rural employment.
