Dandi Yatra to integrate nation, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit and former Rajasthan chief minister Rajesh Gehlot today participated in the Dandi Yatra which began from Kankapura in Anand district to Kareli in Bharuch.

The yatra, organised to commemorate the platinum jubilee celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi Yatra, entered the ninth day today after it was flagged off by Congress party president Sonia Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram on March 12.

The last-minute entry of Rahul Gandhi in the Dandi March was aimed to divert media attention from the BJP's 'Swabhiman Yatra' to protest against US' denial of visa to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, according to political pundits.

Rahul Gandhi walked for about five kilometers of the stretch of nearly 15 km. At Kareli, after insistence of gathering of about 2000 villagers only Rahul Gandhi addressed the audience from Kareli and neighboring villages.

Rahul won the hearts of the villagers by having a cup of tea at a local tea stall. He discussed the local development issues with the villagers.

"Mahatma Gandhi had led the rally to integrate the nation against the rule of British 75 years ago. Today, we are doing it to integrate the nation against our internal enemies," said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul walked across a temporary wooden bridge built over Mahi river, specially built for the yatra.

Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, said: "The English rule lost its salt when Gandhiji led the Dandi March with salt as symbol. Bapu's path is very tough to follow. But according to him all of us have strength to follow that but we need to identify it".

Commenting on 'Swabhiman Yatra', Sheila Dikshit said: "I am not able to understand whose swabhiman they are talking about. Swabhiman of the nation? or an individual?"