Srinagar, Sep 24: Days before the scheduled two-day visit of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi to Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Youth Congress Saturday chose Kashmir University to give fillip to its membership drive among the students there.
Around afternoon, a group of around 10 Youth Congress workers, local and non-local, carrying membership forms turned up in the varsity to lure students to the party-fold.  The only striking point was that Rahul Gandhi ‘will listen to your problems and issues face to face at University and SKICC during an interaction.’
“You need to fill this form. It will help you to choose your leader as per your wishes. Also you can become a leader,” said the group members while convincing the students to fill the form.
However, to avoid any controversy arising due to the activity, they separated it from politics saying ‘this drive should not be linked with politics’.
“Our objective is to provide proper platform to youth. They have suffered during last two decades of turmoil. Political issue is separate one. Our drive should not be linked with it. You have to run constructive and developmental issues. Rahul Ji wants youth should come forward in Indian politics,” they said.
They claimed that they were the ‘advance team’ of Rahul Gandhi so that the interaction with him will be facilitated for students.
“There is no qualification bar for membership except below 35 years of age. You will be given special pass to meet Rahul Ji and will be entitled to fight elections as well,” they added.
They said that the drive will break the monopoly of ancestral rule.
“Earlier ancestry played role in gaining membership. To break this monopoly you can become eligible member by Rs 15. There is no need anymore of flattering any leader here or in Delhi. Earlier leaders can’t put your message to him (Rahul) now you will have a right to talk directly with him,” the team told students while brainstorming the students.
On the membership form is inscribed a slogan ‘Youth of Jammu and Kashmir, come join the revolution’.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive on September 26 for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST