On the last day of a five-day tour of Karnataka, labelled as a familiarisation trip under his effort to discover India, AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi hit the election pitch saying Karnataka needed a stable Government to overcome regional disparities and ensure progress and growth for all.

At the conclusion of his tour in the election-bound state, at a massive public meeting in Bangalore, Rahul said “while some parts of Karnataka are doing well, there are other parts of Karnataka which have been left behind, which do not have roads, schools and electricity that is needed.”

Senior Karnataka Congress leaders, including some who have been miffed over being sidelined during the past five days, got to share the stage with Rahul on Saturday. A virtual formation of Congress leaders who will lead the party into the impending polls was assembled.

Rahul said his party had not suddenly hit upon a ‘youth only’ strategy. He said a blend of youth and experience was needed. “Youth bring energy and senior leaders have experience with them. Party’s experience cannot be thrown away.”

KPCC president Mallikarjun Kharge, often left in the periphery of discussions during the five-day tour, told the public meeting that Rahul’s visit to learn about Karnataka would help the party in the coming elections.