Hathras visit akin to Indira’s Belchi moment in 1977: Chandy

New Delhi, Oct 4 : After Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Bulgarhi village in Hathras district of UP to meet the family of a Dalit gang rape-murder victim, party veteran Oommen Chandy has compared the development with the 1977 visit of Indira Gandhi to Belchi village in Bihar that revived the party’s electoral fortunes.
On Thursday, Rahul and Priyanka were detained and sent back to Delhi but allowed to proceed to Hathras on Saturday only after a scuffle with police.
In July 1977, Indira Gandhi, as an opposition leader, had visited Belchi village by travelling on a train, jeep, tractor and finally riding an elephant to reach the site of massacre of 10 Dalits in the Patna district village. In 1980, the Congress returned to power at the Centre.
Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy tweeted: “Rahul and Priyanka’s visit to Hathras reminds me of a similar visit by Smt Indira Gandhi back in 1977 to Belchi in Bihar’s Patna district where Dalits were massacred.” “Rahulji and Priyankaji braved all attempt to stop them from reaching Hathras. Their arrival to provide support and solace is an act in history repeating itself. ‘Aadhi roti khayenge, Indira ko bulayenge’ slogan will resonate again — now for her grandchildren. Dalit dignity cannot be traded,” he tweeted.
Congress veteran Margret Alva said that she was happy to see the party leaders and supporters hit the streets under the leadership of Rahul and Priyanka.