Publicity shunt

AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi was in Chhattisgarh on a day-long visit on Friday. And, as is considered customary on such occasions in the Congress, the party’s local leaders swung into action, papering the route planned for Mr Gandhi’s convoy with banners and posters that featured their photographs prominently, along, of course, with that of the Congress’ heir-apparent. So much so that the party’s senior leaders apparently left no room anywhere for those associated with the Youth Congress — taking over every hoarding and wall on the way. Naturally, the Youth Congress’ leaders – who are, after all, Mr Gandhi’s special province – couldn’t pass up the chance to bring their faces to his attention. They were left with no alternative but to affix posters with their photographs to sewer pipes lying near the main stadium. The pipes had been left there by the municipal corporation, waiting to be used in some project. All these plans, sadly, came to naught — Mr Gandhi’s convoy changed its route at the last minute. The Congress’ leaders efforts to get in Mr Gandhi’s face went in vain.