Date:29/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/29/stories/2008032954030400.htm

Karnataka

Mixed feelings in Bijapur, Bagalkot

Staff Correspondent

Rahul Gandhi interacts with farmers, weavers
Police foil bid by Vedike activitsts
to gherao him

HUNGUND (BAGALKOT DISTRICT): All India Congress Committee general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Friday wound up his two-day hectic trip of Bijapur and Bagalkot districts with a mixed bag of feelings.

Mr. Gandhi, who stayed on Thursday in a guest house at Koodalasangama, paid a visit to the Sangamanath temple and “Aikya Mantapa,” the place where 12th century social reformer, Basaveshwara was laid to rest, in the morning hours before coming to here for an “interaction” programme with farmers, weavers and the general public.

There was long queue on the premises of Government TCH College even as the police foiled an attempt by Kannada Rakshana Vedike members to gherao Mr. Gandhi in protest of hostile stand taken by the Congress-led Maharashtra Government against Kannadigas. They wanted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, R.R. Patil, who reportedly made derogatory remarks against Kannadigas, be expelled from the Government. Police arrested 35 activists, including district unit head Mahantesh Angadi, and released them later.

Disappointed

At the interaction programme, many people wanted to narrate their woes in detail but could not do so as Mr. Gandhi left swiftly. Sangangouda Patil of Dhannur, who could not petition Mr. Gandhi, asked: “How could he understand our woes during such a hurried visits?”

However, Mr. Gandhi had joyous moments at Hullur and Jetgi, both Lambani tandas in Muddebihal taluk of Bijapur district, on Thursday night. The community people, particularly women in their traditional attire, gave him a warm welcome. Besides a traditional cap and a mirrored shawl, he was presented with a silver sword. Also, a Lambani woman put a silver “kadaga” (bangle) on his forearm.

For Dhamanibayi Manappa Lambani of Jetgi tanda Mr. Gandhi was a grandson of the late Indira Gandhi more than anything else. It was evident in her expression. She was ecstatic as she had an opportunity to serve him food.

Union Minister Prithiviraj Chavan, State Youth Congress president Krishna Byre Gowda and tour coordinator and former Minister Basavaraj Rayreddy sat along with Mr. Gandhi on the floor and tasted variety of food, including “solai,” a spicy dish prepared with meat, even as KPCC president Mallikarjun Kharge, who was suffering from knee pain, chose to rest in his vehicle outside.