PUNE, Feb 6: In an unexpected development, the Congress began a frantic search for an alternative venue for star campaigner Sonia Gandhi's public rally scheduled to be held in the city on February 24 following the Shikshan Prasarak Mandali's refusal to let out the Sir Parshurambhau (SP) college grounds.The Mandali office-bearers reportedly took strong exception to the announcement made by senior Congressman Sharad Pawar a couple of days back that Sonia Gandhi's maiden public rally would be held at the SP college grounds. The Mandali was not even taken into confidence by the Congress leadership before making the announcement, maintained the office-bearers.
Congress city chief Mohan Joshi today confirmed at his press conference that alternative venues including the Shree Shivaji Preparatory Military School (SSPMS) grounds, Sarasbaug junction and Shinde High School premises in Aranyeshwar area, were being considered as alternative venues.
However, considering the good turnout for Sonia's public meetingsheld so far in many parts of the country, the party was looking for a suitable venue, Joshi clarified.
When asked if the Mandali had objected to the announcement by Pawar, the Congress chief said that the ground was being prepared for holding some sports event, hence the Mandali had decided against renting it out to any political party for election-related functions.
Joshi told media persons that party candidate Vitthal Tupe had launched intensive campaigning with a view to covering the entire constituency in 21-days through daily padayatras, corner meetings and rallies.The initial response from the voters was very good, claimed Joshi. The campaigning would be further intensified with senior leaders Sharad Pawar and V N Gadgil addressing joint public rallies in all the six assembly segments.
Party leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dr Manmohan Singh, Chhagan Bhujbal, Republican Party of India leaders Prakash Ambedkar, R S Gawai and Ramdas Athavale, would also be addressing public rallies, headded.
Replying to a query, Joshi said that all these leaders had confirmed that they would campaign for Tupe. However, their dates were not yet known since the campaign schedules of these leaders were being finalised by the All India Congress Committee and the Maharashtra PCC.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
