Priyanka, Rahul And Jyotiraditya Begin Congress Road Show In Lucknow

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries for eastern and western Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia reached Lucknow at noon on Monday to begin their roadshow. 

They were welcomed by jubilant Congress workers and MP Raj Babbar. In what is being seen as the Grand Old Party’s effort to revive its strongholds in UP, Priyanka Gandhi made her first public appearance since she stepped into active politics. While she has campaigned for her brother Rahul and mother Sonia, this is the first time she is participating in a rally officially as a Congress leader. 

The Congress leaders were seen passing through the streets of Lucknow, amid much fanfare and a good turnout, on top of a volvo bus. 

PTI reported that when the trio embarked on a roughly 25-km-long roadshow through major thoroughfares of the state capital, rose petals were sprinkled and marigold garlands showered at their cavalcade.

A day before her maiden visit to the state as Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi said she hopes to start a “new kind of politics” in which everyone will be a stakeholder.

Here are some photos and videos from the road show.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the visit. Special Protection Group personnel, who provide security to the Gandhis, on Thursday visited the UPCC office, party sources told PTI.

Priyanka Gandhi will meet leaders and office-bearers from 42 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh (East) during her visit till February 14.

“Congress workers are excited about the visit of party leaders and we are awaiting to give them a rousing welcome... We hope that with her (Priyanka Vadra) joining active politics, the state will also get a new energy,” chief state Congress spokesperson Rajiv Bakshi said.

“This is a very auspicious time for us and a good omen for the party,” he said.

 (With PTI inputs)