Mumbai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
arrived here on Friday amidst tight security following Shiv Sena's
call for black flag demonstrations against him for his "Mumbai
for all Indians" remark even as three Sena activists were
detained after they tried to enter his itinerary venue.
Sena corporator, Rajul Patel, wearing a black sari,
and two others were picked up while trying to make way into
the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle without proper invite,
police said.
Police are also maintaining a strict vigil at the
venue in Ghatkopar where 39-year-old Rahul is scheduled to
visit later in the day and have sanitised both the venues and
adjoining areas.
Shops in both the areas remained closed, police said,
adding several trouble makers were detained last night as a
preventive measure.
This is Rahul's maiden visit to the financial capital
after he became the AICC General Secretary.
Hundreds of policemen are keeping vigil at the Vile
Parle railway station, bus stops and the road leading to the
venue. The entire road leading to the venue and across the
city was dotted with posters that read - 'Fight an election,
become a leader.'
Gandhi will be addressing "selected" college students
at the Bhaidas Hall where a function has been organised by the
Youth Congress.
After the meeting, Rahul will head to Ramabai Nagar
colony in suburban Ghatkopar to interact with the slum youth.
Among those detained were some parliamentary district chiefs of the Sena, a few 'shakha' (local units) chiefs and other activists.
In the afternoon, Rahul will go to Ghatkopar, the north-eastern part of Mumbai where the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slums are located.
He will garland a statue of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar there, pay homage and then interact with select slum youth.
The spokesman said both the meetings were organised keeping in mind Gandhi's desire to meet youth and students from different strata of society.
The Mumbai Police have made tight security arrangements during Gandhi's half-day visit to Mumbai to ensure it passes off peacefully.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 05, 2010, 13:21