Rae Bareli, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held a ‘Janata Darbar’ in his parliamentary constituency of Rae Bareli on Wednesday, hearing grievances from local residents as well as leaders and workers of the Samajwadi Party.
Residents raised issues concerning roads, civic infrastructure and development. One local told IANS that he urged Gandhi to address the poor condition of the Lucknow Road leading to ITI, which connects the Rae Bareli-Lucknow Highway with the Sultanpur Highway.
The resident said the road has developed large potholes despite the presence of institutions including NIFT and ITI, as well as a major temple visited by a large number of people. He said two people had previously performed the ‘bhoomi pujan’ for the proposed road construction, but the project remained incomplete amid political disputes. Gandhi assured him that he would look into the matter.
Another local woman urged Gandhi to tour Rae Bareli whenever he visits the constituency so that basic civic problems could be assessed and discussed. She said Gandhi assured her that he would look into such issues in the future.
SP leaders and workers also met Gandhi. Akhilesh Mahi, state secretary of the Mulayam Singh Youth Brigade, requested the construction of a memorial and public square in honour of Rajendra Yadav, a Rae Bareli martyr who died during the 1999 Kargil War. Mahi said no statue or memorial had so far been established in the district in Yadav’s memory. He said Gandhi assured him of prompt action.
Mahi also said he believed Gandhi’s support would pose a strong challenge to the BJP and claimed that the INDIA bloc would secure an absolute majority in Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Congress Mahila Wing office-bearers also met Gandhi. District president Shailaja Singh welcomed him to Rae Bareli and praised his focus on youth issues during a student-oriented event.
Anil Mishra, president of the Freedom Fighters’ Descendants Organisation, submitted a memorandum seeking preservation of the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs and early completion of pending beautification work at the Munshiganj Martyrs’ Memorial.
Jyoti Behan of the Brahma Kumaris also met Gandhi and tied a ‘rakhi’ on his wrist, conveying greetings on behalf of the organisation and district residents.
Gandhi had also met bullion traders on Tuesday night. The traders reportedly told him that gold and silver business had declined by nearly 50 per cent and sought intervention over the increased GST on the two commodities. Gandhi reportedly assured them that the matter would be raised in Parliament.
On the final day of his constituency visit, Gandhi also attended a ‘Disha Meeting’ at Bachaav Bhawan, where he discussed development-related issues with officials.
FOLLOW NOW
