Enthusiastic supporters await Rahul Gandhi's arrival in poll-bound UP

Gorakhpur, Jan 7 (ANI): Enthusiastic supporters await the arrival of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur District, as they hope that he would bring in development and prosperity in their area.

Shailendra Kumar, a local here, said he is optimistic that Gandhi's visit in the area would pave way for development.

"For the first time Rahul Gandhi is coming to our area and we are very happy. We are hoping that since he is coming here, he will bring development to our area," he said.

Anwar Ali, another local, said Rahul Gandhi's visit would provide impetus to the Congress Party's image in the area.

"Rahul Gandhi is coming to our area. He is like family to us. I think the Congress will win in the region under his guidance and it will bring development here. As a result of his visit, the Congress Party will gain mass appeal in the state," Ali said.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive here today to carry forward his ongoing campaign in election-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul Gandhi, who has become the face of the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, is leaving no stones unturned in giving a tough to Mayawati-led BSP Government in the state.

Rahul Gandhi has during his visits to Uttar Pradesh so far criticized Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief, Mayawati, by terming her administration as corrupt and her party insignia of an elephant hogging the money allotted for public schemes.

He has also questioned Mayawati's credentials as a Dalit leader, and accused her of fooling the people of Uttar Pradesh with her move to sack tainted ministers from the government.

The Uttar Pradesh elections is being seen as a stepping-stone for the Congress Party to establish a firm political base in India's fifth largest and most populous state before the 2014 general elections.

Voting in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases starting February 4 and finishing on February 28. Four other states, including Punjab, will hold elections between January 28 and March 3.he results of the election would be declared on March 4. (ANI)