Kottayam (Kerala), March 30 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi drew loud cheers from the crowd on Monday when he said he was looking forward to Kerala having a female chief minister.
Addressing a rally in Puthuppally, Gandhi spoke about the guarantees announced by the Congress if it comes to power, including free KSRTC bus travel for women and a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 for college-going female students.
He said that the Congress wants women to be active participants in Kerala's development.
"In fact, we are looking forward to the day when we have a female chief minister of Kerala," he said, eliciting a strong response from the crowd.
He also remarked that men were not applauding enough for the statement.
"We want women of Kerala to achieve their dreams. Whatever they want to do, we want them to succeed," he said.
He said that the Congress would ensure that women have the freedom to go wherever they want and pursue the jobs they choose.
"For this purpose, our guarantees include free travel for women in KSRTC buses," he said.
After the event in Puthuppally, Gandhi joined sitting MLA Chandy Oommen and the Congress candidate for a bicycle ride.
Oommen has been riding a bicycle as part of his election campaign.
Both rode for a few miles, giving security personnel a tough time as they had to run behind them.
Crowds gathered on both sides of the road, cheering the leaders.