Rahul Gandhi’s Kanpur roadshow lands in controversy

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi landed himself in a controversy over his roadshow in Kanpur after district officials raised objections over flouting of rules.

Kanpur District Magistrate (DM), Hari Om said, “Only 20 kilometers permission was given to Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow and was supposed to be started from circuit house in Kanpur. However, Rahul Gandhi started off his roadshow from the airport itself.”

“It is clear violation of model code of conduct. We will take action according to the law,” the DM said.

“Section 144 is implied in the city, which has also been violated.”

Taking view of the heavy traffic on the proposed route, an alternative route was suggested, the DM said.

“The route was changed as Rahul Gandhi’s security is a major concern and the route which Congress party workers had asked for is expected to witness huge traffic today. Due to Mahashivaratri festival huge number of people would visit the temples located along the route and the paramilitary forces meant for the polls will also be taking the same route. So keeping in view all this aspects we had suggested them the alternative route,” the DM said.

Laying rest to all speculations that Congress party workers had first got the permission for the 35 kms route and later the district administration backing out, Hari Om said, “we have given the orders in writing.”