Eye on UP poll, Rahul talks price rise

GHAZIABAD: As the Congress gears up for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections next year, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday visited a party worker in Ghaziabad,

GHAZIABAD: As the Congress gears up for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections next year, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday visited a party worker in Ghaziabad, who had burnt herself during a protest against price rise on June 8.

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Gandhi said the party would raise the issue of rising prices and not let people suffer.

“I came to meet her... she had got injured. She is a strong party worker. These days the biggest issue is price rise. Modiji (Prime Minister) had said he would tackle the issue. But prices are rising. So Congress will fight out the issue,” Gandhi said.

The worker, Meena Verma, had burnt her arm during the protest near the old bus stand.

“I was depressed after the incident since no senior party leader inquired about my condition. I am overwhelmed that Rahulji visited my house. I was in tears when he inquired about my health,” Verma said.

Adjacent to river Hindon, Arthala, 25 km from Delhi, looks like a slum cluster. It has overflowing drains and garbage is strewn around in the lanes and bylanes. It houses migrants from eastern UP and Bihar.

Flanked by the Special Protection Group and the police, Rahul Gandhi walked to Verma’s rented house in Arthala as thousands of locals gathered to get a glimpse. Rahul had a closed-door meeting with her and other local Congress leader for nearly 20 minutes.

“Rahulji had arrived to meet a (Congress) family member. He spoke to her at length and appreciated her efforts. This visit will motivate our workers throughout the country,” said Shobha Ojha, Congress spokesperson and Mahila Congress president.

“At the house, he spoke about price rise. Basic items such as pulses cost Rs 200 per kg and getting out of the common man’s reach. It will be one of the core issues in the upcoming elections in the state,” she added.