Rahul attacks Modi, BJP in thanksgiving Wayanad roadshow

Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in his roadshow in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency Friday said the hatred and intolerance spread by the BJP will be dealt with love and affection.

In the massive roadshow to thank voters for electing him with a massive majority, Gandhi said his party will emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor.

"Modi might have so much money. He might have media by his side... He might have rich friends with him but the Congress party will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP," Gandhi said.

"The hatred intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," he added.

Gandhi said he looked forward to represent the people of his constituency to build a better Wayanad.

Braving heavy rains, the Congress chief took out a roadshow in his constituency, spread over in the districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode, thanking voters for electing him with a massive majority.

On a three-day thanksgiving visit, Gandhi, who travelled in a special open vehicle along with state Congress leaders, criss-crossed through the narrow lanes of various Assembly constituencies in the district and waved to the huge crowd.

As the crowd became uncontrollable, the police personnel cordoned off the area around the open truck with a rope and ran along with the truck.

During the roadshow, Gandhi alighted from the vehicle and went to a nearby shop to have tea, taking the security personnel by surprise. Congress leaders also accompanied him.

Thousands, including women and children, braved the downpour to catch a glimpse of the leader who arrived in the high range constituency on a three-day tour for the ceremonial thanksgiving to the electorate.

This is the first time that the AICC chief is visiting his constituency after he was voted to the Lok Sabha with a majority of over 4.31 lakh votes.

Gandhi, who also contested from his pocket borough of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, had lost to Union Minister Smrithi Irani.

A large number of people could be seen patiently waiting for hours for Gandhi on either side of the water-logged roads and on the terrace and balconies of nearby buildings to welcome their new MP.

As the vehicle carrying the Congress president inched its way through the crowded road, frenzied party workers literally danced waving tri-colour flags and posters with the pictures of their party chief, chanting "we are with you."
Beating drums, they also greeted him shouting "Rahul, Rahul."