The unprecedented security played spoilsport for many who failed to reach the venue due to tight restrictions enforced by over 600 policemen, including 225 Para-Military Force personnel, at the ground.

Even as exertion of an already busy day loomed large on his face, Rahul responded to the applause by waiving to the responsive gathering. He was quick enough to put away the red turban, multi-coloured jacket and jumbo garland presented to him by party leaders on the stage. 

After brief addresses by Kharar MLA Balbir Sidhu and Union Minister Ambika Soni, Rahul took over the microphone and began his address by seeking apology for his delayed arrival. He did not even hesitate to push away Sidhu, who was standing along, and said: “Thoda pichhe ho jao, mujhe kuch nai dikh raha (Get aside, I cannot see anything).”

Clad in his trademark white kurta and pyjama, Rahul fascinated the crowd with regular laughs between his 30-minute speech. Amused over a tune played by a brass band in the crowd, Rahul asked them to play it again as he listened in rapt attention. The young leader left no opportunity to highlight Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the country but did not refer to his mother Sonia Gandhi even once.

Bringing to rest the speculation that Anandpur Sahib Congress nominee Ravneet Singh Bittu was his “handpicked”, Rahul said Bittu was elected as Punjab Youth Congress president not by him but by the youth of Punjab.  “He will work wholeheartedly for your welfare once you elect him as MP,” Rahul promised to always support Bittu.

The Congress youth icon ended his address by saying: “Bahut bahut dhanyavaad, namaste”, but not before making a fervent appeal to seek mandate for re-electing Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.

Amarinder missing but riot victims make presence felt

* While all senior Congress leaders were present in full strength to give boost to the party’s campaign in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab Congress Campaign Committee Chairman Capt Amarinder Singh was conspicuous by his absence. Every speaker referred to him and posters at the rally bore his large photographs unlike Punjab CLP leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Punjab Congress president Lal Singh, who were present at the rally.