Rahul launches campaign in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Congress ex-president and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi received a rousing reception on Saturday as he arrived in the textile city of Coimbatore to kickstart his party’s campaign for the imminent state assembly elections.

Rahul, who would tour the western belt of Tamil Nadu for three days, is scheduled to address a series of meetings in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Karur and Dindigul districts.

He tweeted earlier: “I am delighted to be back in Tamil Nadu today to spend time with my Tamilian brothers and sisters in the Kongu belt.”

Rahul was in Madurai on January 14 to witness the bull-taming sport Jallikatu, part of the state’s biggest festival Pongal.

He posted a video entitled ‘Rahul’s Tamil Vanakkam,’ which contained a rural song highlighting the cultural importance of Tamil soil.

“Together, we will defend & preserve the unique culture of the Tamils against the atacks by Modi govt,” it said.

Scores of Congress workers, including women, carrying and waving party flags thronged all along theroutefromtheairporttochitra-kalapatijunction where the party hosted a public reception for him.

Rahul later interacted with representatives of medium and small entrepreneurs, atended a public reception at Avinashi Road and travelled to Tiruppur, the famous hub of textile exports. He’s staying at Tiruppur.

On Sunday, Rahul would atend a reception to be organised at three places in Erode and later interact with the weavers.

Ater another reception at Kangeyam, Rahul would address a public meeting at Dharapuram and would have an overnight stay there. On Monday, the Congress will host a reception at Karur. Later Rahul would address a farmers’ convention.

Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy is campaiging in Coimbatore district on Saturday and Sunday, and will stop his vehicle at 23 places.

On Saturday morning, ater a darshan at the Koniyamman temple, he began the campaign.

In the evening, at 5:05 pm, he will pay obeisance at the Masaniyamman Temple and will spend the night at the Government Guest House at the Coimbatore Racecourse.