Rahul following footsteps of the Mahatma: Jaiswal

Claiming that Rahul Gandhi's padyatra will not only impact Uttar Pradesh but the country as a whole, Union Minister for Coal Sriprakash Jaiswal on Friday said the leader is following the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi to revive national politics.

"Rahul is following the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi to revive the spirit of 1947 in the country's political sphere," Jaiswal told reporters.  "Mahatma Gandhi's dreams are shattered as politics in India is tainted.... Rahul has with his efforts revived the spirit of sacrifice epitomised by the Mahatma," the Union minister.

Jasiwal said Rahul "is fighting for farmers whose lands UP government has acquired at throwaway rates and handed over to builders for minting money". "The farmers need a person who can apply balm on their wounds," he said, adding the padyatra of Rahul would not only change the scenario in Uttar Pradesh but also the politics of the country.

He said leaders of other political parties should support Rahul "since he is doing what they could not do".

Speaking on the issue of price rise, Jaiswal said several factors including rains and demand-supply gap were involved.