Rahul Gandhi Goes Fishing with Local Community During Bihar Campaign: Promises Support for Fishermen

Rahul Gandhi with fishermen in Bihar's Begusarai

Rahul Gandhi took a break between Bihar campaign rallies to go fishing with locals in Begusarai, an area often referred to as the "Leningrad of the East."

The Congress leader was accompanied by Mukesh Sahni, former state minister and founder of Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP), a junior partner in the INDIA bloc. Together, they took a boat to reach the middle of a pond.

Wearing his characteristic white T-shirt and black trousers, Gandhi not only participated in fishing activities but also demonstrated his swimming abilities with freestyle strokes in the water.

Sahni, known affectionately as 'son of Mallah' highlighting his roots in the fisherman community, impressed Gandhi by casting a fishing net. The former Bollywood set designer, dressed only in his vest and underpants, dove into the waist-deep waters. Both leaders were later seen examining their catch together.

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar was also present during this engagement. A significant number of local fishermen gathered at the spot, with some joining the leaders in the water.

The Congress party shared video clips of this interaction on social media platform X, noting that Gandhi discussed the "challenges and struggles" faced by fishermen in their occupation. The post also highlighted promises made by the INDIA bloc, including an insurance scheme for pisciculture and financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to fishermen families during the three-month prohibition period for fishing.

Gandhi emphasized that fishermen constitute an important segment of Bihar's economy and assured them of his unwavering support.

In his social media post, Gandhi wrote: "It felt great to meet the fishermen community in Begusarai, Bihar, today with Mukesh Sahni ji, the president of VIP party. Their work is as interesting as the problems and struggles associated with it are serious. However, their hard work, passion, and deep understanding of the business in every situation is inspiring. The rivers, canals, ponds of Bihar and the fishermen who inhabit them are an important part of the state's economy. I stand with them at every step for their rights and respect."

A local boy expressed his excitement after shaking hands with the Congress leader, saying, "Yes, sir, it felt very good to shake hands with him (Rahul Gandhi). He came to our village. He has done a lot."