Bharat Jodo Yatra in TS: Handicapped man denied entry over gate pass

Hyderabad: A handicapped person, Nagesh, was allegedly denied entry to the Bharat Jodo Yatra on Thursday at Makthal in Mahabubnagar. He waited from morning till evening but returned home without meeting Rahul Gandhi.

Nagesh was denied entry because he did not have a gate pass. "There were large groups of people. I asked them why they did not allow me inside and they asked me for the gate pass," said Nagesh. He waited till 3 p.m but could not meet Rahul Gandhi.

Nagesh, who lost his legs 10 years ago, said he wanted help from the government to manage his livelihood. "I wanted help from the government. I have two children. My wife works as a daily wage labourer. Currently, she is the only breadwinner of the family," he said.

Varsha Bhargavi from the civil society tweeted about Nagesh being denied entry. She wrote, "Dear Rahul Gandhi, Nagesh, a physically handicapped person, came to meet you in Makhtal today and was not allowed inside the camp. He came to appeal for granting him a scooter as he is unable to pedal his tricycle. Please help."

Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY) coordinator and senior party leader Balram Naik cited security reasons. "Due to security reasons, there is a proper procedure to be followed. District presidents have mobilised, asked people and accordingly the visitors are planned. No one is allowed inside the camp without a gate pass."