Black flags by AAP and other groups greet Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

LUCKNOW: Amethi had never been a problem area either for Congress or party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. But there were signs of changing times on Wednesday when the Gandhi scion was shown black flags by the volunteers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during a visit to his constituency. Members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and Jan Kalyan Samiti also joined the protest.

This was Rahul's first visit to Amethi after being named the chief of party's poll campaign committee and also after AAP leader Kumar Vishwas landed to challenge him in the polls.

Because of inclement weather, Rahul arrived more than five hours late at 4.30pm, accompanied by sister Priyanka. They were shown black flags by AAP workers in Jais and BKU activists at Gauriganj. "The protestors relented allowed the convoy to move after the Congress vice-president assured them that their problems would be looked into," said a local Congress leader.

Brushing aside all allegations, Rahul said, "We believe in action and not in words. Various projects were executed by us, from women self-help groups to national highways and many others. But poor electric supply and bad roads come under the purview of the state government."

He accused the Akhilesh Yadav government of not using central funds. "The Centre is always willing to extend a helping hand and there is no compromise on any work undertaken," he said.

Soon after his arrival, Rahul met an aged woman and offered her a seat next to him in his vehicle- seen as an attempt to dispel the 'Shehzada' tag given by his political opponents.

He interacted with some retired soldiers at party office in Gauriganj and hailed their contribution to the nation.

Rahul is expected to address a string of meetings in Amethi and visit a few villages to assess the impact of welfare schemes like NREGS and National Rural Health Mission.

Kumar Vishwas termed the two-day visit as "political picnic". "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party are least interested in the progress and development of Amethi. Rahul rarely speaks or raises any issue in Parliament. We want that some serious talk and discussions," Vishwas said as he challenged the Congress leader for a debate.