A case was registered against the Congress leader for violating the permission granted by the administration for his road show. Sharat Pradhan reports
Congress star campaigner Rahul Gandhi on Monday took Kanpur by storm, but peeved Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, whose administrative machinery promptly registered a case against him for "violating the election model code of conduct".
The Gandhi scion's crime was that he chose to undertake a longer road show than what the district administration had permitted him.
"Mr Rahul Gandhi clearly violated the permission that was granted by the administration for his road show. Hence a case has been registered against him under sections 188, 183 and 290 IPC, for disobeying prohibitory orders, causing danger and obstruction to the city roads and creating nuisance," district magistrate Hari Om told reporters, while adding, "We had to observe caution also on account of Shiv Ratri today."
According to him, "The Congress leader was granted permission to undertake his road show along a 20 km route against the party's application for covering a 37 km route."
Justifying the administration's stand, a senior police official said, "We never expected a senior leader like him to violate the law. Since he actually did it, we had no choice but to take necessary action."
Meanwhile, no sooner than the administration's decision was conveyed to Rahul at the Circuit House, he instantly drove out and chose to move on the route he had planned his road show.
Accompanied by Union Coal Minister Prakash Jaiswal, who is also the local Congress MP, Rahul rode on a bus, waving out to the crowds, who had gathered in large numbers everywhere he went.
Unlike Lucknow, where Rahul's road show last week turned out to be a damp squib, he drew huge crowds along the entire 37 km route that covered each of the six state assembly constituencies of the district. The road show passed through Fazalganj, Shastri Nagar, Govind Nagar, Kidwai Nagar, Labour Colony, and Baqarganj among other areas.
Interestingly, when the motorcade slowed down at the busy Ramadevi crossing, an old woman offered a garland to Rahul.
People, including women and children, could be seen perched on rooftops and balconies to catch a glimpse of Rahul, who waved out at them to acknowledge their greetings.
Congress flags, banners and buntings were visible all along the route, as many showered flower petals on him.
Congress activists raised chants of 'Rahul Gandhi aaye hain; nayi roshni laye hain" (Rahul Gandhi has come to show a new light).