Khichri bhoj, temples on Rahul agenda in Amethi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is all set to celebrate Makar Sankranti in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi on Monday during his two-day visit, his first after assuming the charge of the party.

According to sources, Rahul will be attending a khichri bhoj or gruel banquet (khichri is eaten on the occasion of Makar Sankrant) along with his party workers.

The Congress president would also be visiting a few famous temples besides meeting the party workers and local leaders.

Amethi district Congress president Yogendra Mishra said Rahul would be accorded a grand welcome in the constituency. "It is his first visit as a Congress chief....we have planned a grand reception for him this time," Mishra said.

Sources said Rahul will go on padyatra (foot march) in Gauriganj, the district headquarter and also pay obeisance at the famous Hanuman Temple there.

Welcome arches have been erected in different parts of the constituency. Flower petals would also be showered on Rahul during his padyatra, sources said.

The grand reception plan is being seen as in response to the Amethi visits by Union minister Smriti Irani and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The BJP has set its eyes on the constituency after Smriti managed to reduce Rahul's victory margin substantially in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP chief Amit Shah, Adityanath and Smriti had addressed a public meeting in Amethi a few months back and announced sops for the constituency.

The saffron party has also dropped enough hints that Smriti would be its candidate from Amethi again in the next general elections in 2019.