When questioned about his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s contentious detention in Uttar Pradesh on her way to Lakhimpur Kheri on Monday, Rahul Gandhi claimed he was “not bothered” because they are both “equipped” to deal with such attacks.
“Priyanka and I are both unconcerned about being manhandled. You are free to strike us, to harm us… It is the teaching that our family has given us over the years “Rahul Gandhi stated.
The Congress leader talked to the media before flying to Lucknow, from where he expects to drive around 100 kilometres to Lakhimpur Kheri, where eight people were killed in a protest on Sunday, including four farmers.
The UP government has barred numerous opposition lawmakers from visiting Lakhimpur Kheri to meet with the families of the farmers who died, claiming a law and order issue and restrictions prohibiting gatherings of four or more individuals.
Permission was also refused to Rahul Gandhi. “Two Chief Ministers and I intend to visit the place. There are only three of us.”
Mr Gandhi also mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting Lucknow but not Lakhimpur Kheri, alleging a “systematic attack on farmers.”
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Deepinder Hooda were stopped and encircled by police in Sitapur, near Lakhimpur Kheri, in the early hours of Monday.
Priyanka Gandhi was spotted in a big fight with the cops, demanding to see the warrant for her arrest. As Mr Hooda was being physically assaulted, she was seen shouting out at the cops on tape. She was overheard saying, “Try touching me…” “I’ll accuse you with kidnapping if you put me in that automobile. And the charge will be levelled against you, not the cops “She informed the authorities.
Since then, she has been held in a state guest home in Sitapur.
After her detention, Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “I know you won’t back down, Priyanka; they’re in awe of your bravery. We will win the country’s Annadata in our nonviolent campaign for justice.”
The Chenab Times News Desk