Rahul Gandhi's padyatra an attempt to know farmers' problems: Congress

Dismissing criticism that Rahul Gandhi's 'padyatra' from Bhatta-Parsaul was a "political stunt", the Congress today said there were "no party flags or workers" with the leader who is only trying to know the real problems being faced by farmers affected by land acquisition.

"Rahul's padyatra is an attempt to know the real problems being faced by the farmers affected due to land acquisition. As the Centre will be amending land acquisitionAct, he will be giving suggestions on certain points about that," senior Congress Digvijay Singh, who is in-charge of UP, told reporters here.

About BJP leader Rajnath Singh and ruling BSP in Uttar Pradesh terming terming Rahul's padyatra a "political stunt and a "drama", Singh said, "People know better.

"Unlike Rajnathji, we do not organise demonstrations for photographs only. If he goes to villages in this rainy season, I will appreciate him," Digvijay Singh said.

"You can see that Rahul is among farmers. There are no party workers or flags around him in his yatra," he said.

In Delhi, Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed echoed the views, saying it was the leader's initiative to get a first hand knowledge of the problems of the farmers.

Asked about Rahul's schedule during the padyatra, Digvijay Singh said that it was not known for how many days the tour will continue.

"Wo kitne din padyatra karenge ye pata nahi... Ye to unke upar hai", (It's upto him. We are not aware as to how many days he will undertake padyatra)," Singh said in reply to a question.

About the July 9 'kisan mahapanchyat', Singh said that after hearing farmers and their representatives, Rahul will deliver his address.

"There will be one stage, where there would be no party flags and banners and those not associated with the party can also come and air their views.

"We urge all farmers and their associations toparticipate in the mahapanchyat," he said.



Rahul Gandhi's padyatra an attempt to know farmers' problems: Congress