Rahul Gandhi’s flying visit to Mumbai should be a lesson for all politicians, leaders and ministers. He has sent out a strong political signal to local parties like the Shiv Sena and the MNS — forsaking the safety of a chopper ride and choosing to take the local train to move around in Mumbai for his political functions.
It is nice that he chose to go to Dadar, which is considered one of the bastions of Marathi politics in the city. In the process, he not only deflated the Shiv Sena’s plans to make a big deal of their black-flag demonstration against him.
Rahul Gandhi has won the hearts of Mumbaikars with his innovative style and presence of mind. Rahul’s train ride from Andheri to Dadar and Dadar to Ghatkopar was his way of saying: “Mumbai, I’m one of you.”
By commuting by train, Rahul Gandhi was able to get a first hand account of the problems faced by Mumbai’s inhabitants. Since he has a long political career and may eventually lead the country in a few years, this experience will be of immense help.
— Mahendra Kalantri
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