Rahul mania grips Wayanad despite heavy rain

Braving heavy rains, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi took out a roadshow in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency on Friday, thanking voters for electing him with a massive majority.

Gandhi, who travelled in a special open vehicle along with state Congress leaders, criss-crossed through the narrow lanes of Kalikavu in the district and waved to the huge crowd.

Thousands, including women and children, overcame the downpour to catch a glimpse of the leader who arrived in the high range constituency on a three-day tour for the ceremonial thanksgiving to the electorate.

This is the first time that the AICC chief is visiting his constituency after he was voted to the Lok Sabha with a majority of about 4.31 lakh votes.

Gandhi, who also contested from his pocket borough of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, had lost to Union Minister Smrithi Irani.

A large number of people could be seen patiently waiting for hours for Gandhi on either side of the water-logged roads and on the terrace and balconies of nearby buildings to welcome their new MP.

As the vehicle carrying the Congress President inched its way through the crowded road, frenzied party workers literally danced waving tri-colour flags and posters with the pictures of their party chief, chanting "we are with you."
Beating drums, they also greeted him shouting "Rahul, Rahul."