AMETH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrived here in his Lok Sabha constituency on Monday and was welcomed by hundreds of his supporters, who were dressed as Kanwariyas or devotees of Lord Shiva. As soon as Gandhi stepped out of his vehicle and walked to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, the 'Kanwariyas' chanted "bol bam" to receive him.

Rahul Gandhi, who recently went to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, was also presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by the 'Shiv bhakts' at Fursatganj.

According to PTI, the special welcome by 'kanwariyas' was organised by party's block president Indrapal Mali who is also the president of the 'kanwariya' union of the area.

Across the district, many hoardings welcomed "Shiv Bhakt Rahul Gandhi".

They have been put up by Congress leaders and supporters. Barely months ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the entire spectacle is being seen as Congress' efforts to woo Hindu voters.

His visit to Amethi assumed significance amid reports of a possible grand alliance in UP to take on the BJP in the 2019 polls.
Also, when Gandhi went to Bhopal to hold a roadshow last week, Congress workers had put up posters showing Rahul Gandhi as a "Shiv Bhakt".


(With inputs from PTI)