'Rahul Gandhi's visit to harm students'

Updated on: 08 October,2009 08:12 AM IST |
Chandran Iyer |

Shiv Sainiks want Gandhi's rally in city school today to be cancelled

Shiv Sainiks want Gandhi's rally in city school today to be cancelled

Not everyone is happy that Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will campaign at a public function to be held at St Vincent Boys' School today. Shiv Sainiks yesterday stormed the school, claiming that having Rahul's speech blaring from the loudspeakers will inconvenience students studying in their classrooms and since the timing of the school and the function clash, there are chances of a stampede. Finally, the cops arrived and detained the Sainiks.

The school begins at 8 am and ends at 3 pm, while Rahul's function will be held between 1 pm and 2.30 pm.
u00a0Code violated?

Sena leader Sanjay More said, "The function is not only dangerous to the students, but violates the election code of conduct."u00a0

Interestingly, Election Commissioner Navin Chawla said he was unaware of any such function. "This is news to us. Let us get the details and then we will take appropriate steps, if needed," he said.

A mother of a Std VI student said she was worried that a stampede could occur if the function coincides with the time the children leave the school.

Au00a0 teacher of the school said, "The school has not done anything wrong. The Shiv Sena is just trying to gain mileage out of this." The school principal Father Mario Fernandes was not available for comment.