ALAPPUZHA: The third day of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in the district began on the beach in the morning. Rahul reached the 'Matsyagandi' shore early in the morning to meet the fishermen. Many families, including children, came to see Rahul up close and share their problems.

Rahul, the son of a fisherman and a PhD student, complained to Rahul Gandhi that he is not getting any help from the central government for higher education. In response, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of not having any interest in giving adequate education or employment to the children of common people.

The journey started yesterday from Punnapra at 7 o'clock. A large number of people waited in the queues since early morning to meet Rahul Gandhi. The procession entered Alappuzha city around 7.30 am. There was rain in the morning, but the 'yatra' ignored that and went ahead.

Concerns of Anganwadi workers

Anganwadi workers came forward to convey their problems to Rahul amid the 'yatra'. Rahul gave an opportunity to the uniformed employees to approach him. He said that he would raise his voice in Parliament for the Anganwadi employees and pressurize the central government for a solution. A petition signed by 2000 Anganwadi workers of the district was given to the national leader.

Smith in disbelief

Rahul unexpectedly entered Smitha's house at Mohanam in Arattuvazhi, in between the 'yatra'. Smitha said that the black cats were the first to come with the question of whether a woman MP participating in the yatra would get to use their toilet. The team examined toilets with the Indian closet and the European closet and chose the former as the European closet was inside the room where an elderly mother rested. Security guards arrived moments later. It was instructed that no one should enter the house and those inside should not leave. With this, Smitha's husband, Anil, the owner of Hind Tires, and her younger daughter, Anjana, left the house. Before they could understand what was happening, Rahul appeared in front of them and asked for permission to enter the house. When the family expressed their desire to take a selfie with the national leader who had arrived at their home, the security officials denied it. But to the surprise of Smitha and her daughter Gayathri, Rahul asked whether they want to take a selfie.

Houseboat trip

After the first phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra ended at 10 am in front of the Camelot Convention Centre, Rahul and his team left for Punnamada. Rahul and key leaders boarded the double-decker boat Baypride, owned by RR Joshiraj, who is also a Congress leader. Three other houseboats were prepared to accommodate hundreds of people, including the permanent members of the yatra. For lunch, Rahul had North Indian food.