In Rahul Gandhi’s first visit to Raebareli as LoP, a temple stop, visit to AIIMS and meeting soldier’s family

“Rahul Gandhi worshipped at the Churuva Hanuman temple and prayed for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the country,” the Congress party said on X.

Gandhi’s visit to the temple comes amid the BJP targeting him over his speech in Parliament in which he had accused the ruling party of not following the essential tenets of Hinduism. Before his arrival, posters and banners had come up in different parts of Raebareli questioning him on his “religion” and “whether he considers his Hindu voters as violent”.

After reaching Bhuvemau guesthouse in Raebareli, Gandhi met the parents of Captain Anshuman Singh.

Anshuman’s father, Ravi Pratap Singh, an ex-servicemen who retired two years ago, said their meeting with Rahul Gandhi was personal and that Rahul offered condolences and also gave them consolation.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Anshuman’s mother Manju Singh demanded the scrapping of the Agnipath recruitment scheme for jawans and urged the government not to divide the Army into two categories.

“This scheme of four years is not good. We discussed this with Rahul Gandhi as well… After four years of working for the Army, the youths will not be able to do much — mentally or physically. There will be a gap in their studies. Then they will not get pension or avail canteen facilities. I request the government not to divide the Army into two categories. There should be equality,” the late captain’s mother said.

“I am proud of my son. While nothing can replace him, today people give us respect just because of him. It gives us positivity and also the courage to speak for other such parents, who are left with nothing but memories,” she said.

Later in the day, Rahul visited the martyrs’ memorial in Lalganj, laid a wreath and planted a sapling there. He also visited AIIMS-Raebareli and met with patients and interacted with the students, faculty and administration.

Students said they spoke about the poor condition of roads in front of the institute for the past three years.

Executive Director (AIIMS-Raebareli) Dr Arvind Rajwani said Rahul Gandhi discussed the functioning of the institute, the number of beds and the proposed plan.

“At present, there are 610 beds here, while the proposal is to extend it till 950. We informed this among other things,” Rajwani said.

On his way back to Lucknow, Rahul Gandhi was stopped by protesting farmers in Mohanlalganj who alleged that their land was being grabbed and they were being moved out of their land.