Postcards from 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign: A tale of Congress ka haath and Rahul Gandhi

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There is an interesting anecdote about the election symbol of the Indian National Congress.

When, after the humiliating defeat of Congress (R) in 1977, late Indira Gandhi launched her own party Congress (I), she had to zero in on an election symbol. 

The Election Commission gave three choices -- an elephant, a bicycle and an open palm -- to senior party leader Buta Singh. When he asked Indira Gandhi, his thick accent -- with 'haathi' [elephant] and 'haath' [open palm] -- catalysed a comedy of errors.

The comedy of errors turned out to be quite lucky for the Congress party as since then, the party has only emerged to be a force to reckon with.

The open palm, or Congress ka haath, has literally lent the hand to many a politico and especially, party chief Rahul Gandhi. So much so, that he flashes the "hand" to people, mediapersons and even, his co-netas in the party.

Don't believe us? We have the evidence.

Here is the Congress chief at a recently held election rally. We are sure he wanted to say "hi, hello" to the people. But "Congress ka haath" is imperative.

Or take this. A simple wave would have sufficed. But no. Because why not?

Now, this is the limit.

Bet he is saying, Congress ka haath, mere saath.

Or not!