Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi today undertook a padyatra from suburban Bandra to Dharavi in the metropolis to raise the issue of electricity tariff hike, with a large number of people joining the march.
The Congress leader, flanked by security personnel, marched amid chants of 'Congress Zindabaad', waving to his supporters who surrounded him.
MRCC President Sanjay Nirupam and former MP Priya Dutt were among the Congress leaders who accompanied Gandhi during the foot march.
Congress supporters holding placards and waving party flags joined Rahul in the march to Dharavi.
Before his march, Rahul interacted with the management students of a business school in Vile Parle, where he spoke on issues like the GST Bill and the Modi government's response to the Pathankot terror attacks.
Police sources said personnel in plain clothes were posted during the march and traffic diversions were also effected.
Speaking at a party workers rally in Malad yesterday, Gandhi had said, during his padyatra in Mumbai, "we will put pressure on the government on the issue of electricity tariff for the poor".
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On the padyatra route, Gandhi spoke to auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, who he said apprised him of the problems faced by them.
"They are required to pay bribes. They face problems in getting permits and have to be 10th pass to get one," he said.
During the march, Gandhi also met representatives of small businesses from Dharavi. He met hawkers and street vendors at a stopover during the padyatra.
"Plastic, garments, pottery and leather goods businesses in Dharavi are doing great work but need the right ecosystem and support from the government," he said.
