After Airport Drama, Rahul Gandhi Meets Priyanka, Leave For Lakhimpur Kheri

Lucknow: After some more political drama, this time at Lucknow airport on Wednesday afternoon, Rahul Gandhi travelled to Sitapur where he caught up with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi at the guest house in Sitapur where she was detained since Monday.

The Gandhi siblings, along with Chhattisgarh and Punjab chief ministers Bhupesh Baghel and Charanjit Singh Channi, respectively, then left for Lakhimpuri Kheri in the evening to meet families of the victims of Sunday’s violence.

Priyanka had, on Monday, wanted to travel to Lakhimpur Kheri where eight people were killed during a farmers protest on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh Police, however, refused to allow Priyanka and others to make the trip, and detained her.

Also Read: Sharad Pawar Slams BJP For ‘Jallianwala Bagh-Like Massacre’ In UP’s Lakhimpur

Congress leaders, however, were persistent in their demand as they sought justice for the victims. They demanded the arrest of Union Minister of State Ajay Mishra’s son Ashish Mishra, who was allegedly driving one of the three cars which ploughed through a group of farmers.

After police finally gave permission to Rahul and others to visit Lakhimpur Kheri, they arrived at Lucknow airport only to be told that they will have to travel in a police car. Rahul and the two CMs refused, as they wanted to travel in their own car.

They had their way after some time.

Since section 144 of CrPC is still in place in Lakhimpur district, police told However, the Congress delegation that visitors can proceed only in groups of five.