Rahul Gandhi braves heavy rains to address rally in Tamil Nadu

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI: Heavy rains and storm failed to deter Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi from addressing a rally here as he refused an umbrella and continued to speak on the contributions of late Congress leader K Kamaraj.

As rains intensified, state unit Congress chief EVKS Elangovan interrupted and asked the cheerful crowd whether it would brave the downpour to which the gathering responded with a roaring 'yes'.

Realising that the heavy rains could make it difficult for the interpreter to follow him properly and continue his translation from English into Tamil, Gandhi even shifted to the mike being used by the former.

A drenched Gandhi recalled Kamaraj's contribution in emphasising on school education and development of rural areas.

Gandhi was also seen repeating some of his lines for the benefit of the interpreter to properly convey his address to the people.

As the rain gained momentum, a concerned organiser rushed to protect Gandhi with an umbrella but was politely turned away by the Congress leader.