BackRahul Gandhi treks to Kedarnath, pays respect to flood victims
Gandhi says he had two motives to visit the shrine on footto pay respect to flood victims and to subside fears among tourists
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Kedarnath: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday trekked to the Kedarnath shrine and said he was there to pay his respects to the victims of the 2013 floods in the region.
Trekking a distance of 16km to reach the shrine, Gandhi said he felt a “fire-like" energy after entering the holy portals.
The Congress vice-president said he had two motives to visit the shrine on foot. “First was to respect the people who lost their lives here. In 2013 I came here and saw myself what happened here. So I thought if I go Kedarnath in a helicopter, it will be disrespectful to them. I thought the way those pilgrims came here, I should come here the same way."
“Second motive is that a lot of people work here... they are facing a lot of difficulties and are in fear... because a tragedy had occurred here... and also the tourists who come here are facing a lot of discomfort and fear. So if I walk, then our brothers, who are here, it will be advantageous for them," Gandhi added.
Asked what he prayed for in the temple, Gandhi said he did not ask for anything. “Usually when I go to a temple I don’t wish for anything. That is my habit, I don’t ask. But I went inside I experienced some fire-like energy," he said.
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