Rahul Gandhi leaves for Sitapur amid brief spat at Lucknow airport

Lucknow: Dispute arose between Congress delegation led by Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh government at the Lucknow airport for quite some time on Wednesday afternoon.

While Rahul wanted to go to Lakhimpur by his own vehicle, UP government wanted the Congress leader to board police vehicle.

The Congress leaders led by Rahul Gandhi sat on dharna on the conveyor belt for around 30 minutes.

"They are adopting undemocratic way and forcing us to go to Lakhimpur in their vehicle. I am ready to stay here for 15 days if required but won't go in a police vehicle," Mr Gandhi said.

He said there were no pre-condition for our visit to Lakhimpur and we will not accept any pressure.

Later after 30 minutes of commotion, UP government accepted the demand of Rahul Gandhi and allowed him to go in his private vehicle to Sitapur.

In Sitapur, Rahul will meet his sister Priyanka and then they both along with other leaders including two CMs of Punjab and Chhattisgarh will go to Lakhimpur Kheri.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Congress supporters raised anti-government slogans at the airport. Police also used mild force to disperse the mob at the airport.

On the other hand, Punjab and Chhattisgarh CMs have announced Rs 50 lakh compensation each to the kin of deceased farmers and a journalist killed in Lakhimpur violence. (UNI)