Lalu lauds Rahul Gandhi, asks UP voters to support Congress

Bulandshahr, Feb 26 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has lauded Rahul Gandhi for what he called his stellar efforts in reversing the fortunes of the Congress Party in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr town, Gandhi said: "Rahul Gandhi has worked really hard in Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the position of the Congress party. He has carved a niche and created a unique identity for the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh through his efforts. Now, you (people of Uttar Pradesh) must give him your support and power."

The RJD chief has been enthusiastically campaigning here for his son-in-law Jitendra Yadav, a Congress candidate.

Lalu Prasad Yadav's comments, however, has come as a surprise, considering the fact that the firebrand leader has often criticized the Congress Party over a range of issues such as the Lokpal Bill.

Rahul Gandhi, who has become the face of the Congress Party in Uttar Pradesh, is leaving no stones unturned in drawing the attention of the voters towards his party. Gandhi, who also has been holding public meeting and rallies across the state to influence the potential voters, is banking on the path of progress and development in the state.

The sixth phase of assembly polls will be held in Uttar Pradesh on February 28,while the seventh and last phase, involving western and terai regions, will be held on March 3.

The Uttar Pradesh polls are being viewed as an opportunity for major political parties to re-establish their foothold in the country's fifth largest and most populous state.

A new 403-member state assembly will be elected in March. The poll results will broadly indicate trends for the 2014 general elections. (ANI)