Chennai: High drama in Congress procession

Chennai: There was high drama for some time when two participants in the rally suddenly took out kerosene bottles and began dousing themselves saying they would immolate themselves if Rahul Gandhi persisted with his 'quit' decision.

Party friends walking with them quickly took away the fuel cans from them. It almost seemed that the group, said to be from North Chennai Congress unit, came prepared for the drama. The men, identified as Riyaz and Rajan, were overpowered at the “right time” before  they could light a match, Congress functionary R Raviraj said.

“It took all of us by surprise. I had warned them against attempting such things as they are against the Congress culture”, said TNCC president K S Alagiri. Hailing Rahul for his “extensive and efficient poll campaign and political acumen”, he said only he could lead party.