Rahul Gandhi Visits MUMBAI-inf. by Ashok Hindocha

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05/02/2010Rahul skips chopper ride, hops on to Mumbai local
Mumbai: Security considerations notwithstanding, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Friday took a local train instead of a helicopter to travel from Vile Parle to Ghatkopar here.



AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi travels in local train at Andheri Station in Mumbai on Friday. PTI

The Congress leader arrived here on Friday amidst tight security following Shiv Sena's call for black flag demonstrations against him for his "Mumbai for all Indians" remark even as three Sena activists were detained after they tried to enter his itinerary venue.

Virtual curfew in Mumbai

There was a virtual curfew in Shiv Sena's home turf as Rahul Gandhi landed at the Santa Cruz Old Airport in Juhu at about 11.20 a.m. and drove to the Bhaidas Hall, barely a kilometre away, where he was scheduled to address 1,100 college students and youth. landed there.

A tight security cover that ensured a virtual curfew -like atmosphere and not a single black flag as threatened by the saffron party.

Waiting to receive him were Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Mumbai Pradesh Congress Committee office-bearers, local elected representatives and other prominent persons.

There were heavy security arrangements that saw traffic being stopped in and around the posh Juhu-Vile Parle area.

Despite the Shiv Sena's directives to its activists to greet him with black flags because he had "insulted" Marathi people and Maharashtra, security personnel ensured that there was not a single pennant visible.

The Mumbai Police efforts were supplemented by commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG), Rapid Action Force and other forces.

In the afternoon, Rahul will go to Ghatkopar, the north-eastern part of Mumbai where the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slums are located.

He will garland a statue of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar there, pay homage and then interact with select slum youths.

A spokesperson said both the meetings were organised keeping in mind Rahul Gandhi's desire to meet youth and students from different strata of society.
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