Amid a rousing welcome by party workers, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after a long time on Saturday reached Amethi, where he was defeated in the 2019 general elections, and participated in a march of Pratigya Yatra along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi said, this is his home, and no one can force him to go out of here.

"A few days ago Priyanka came to me and told me to come to Lucknow. I told her that I want to go to my home -- Amethi first before going to Lucknow. No one can separate me from Amethi," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi
People of Amethi gathered to welcome Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021IANS

He said he first fought elections in 2004 from here. He told people that it is they who taught politics to him. "Therefore, I have come here to express my gratitude," Rahul Gandhi said.

"Two biggest issues the country facing today are -- unemployment and inflation. Neither the Chief Minister nor the Prime Minister has any answer to this," Rahul Gandhi said.

"A few days ago, you must have seen the Prime Minister was taking a dip in Ganga. But the Prime Minister will not tell the country why jobs are scant. Why are the youth of our country not getting employment?" Rahul Gandhi further said. He said, he had come here to explain to the people that the youth are the future of the country.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi
The people of Amethi gathered in an unprecedented manner to welcome on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.IANS

"I am telling you what PM Modi will not tell you. It is the small businessmen, middle-class shopkeepers who give employment in this country, but PM Modi has handed over the country to his two-three capitalist friends. You see, he brought three farm laws. After a year, the Prime Minister apologized and said that he made a mistake and all three laws were withdrawn," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi to kickstart Pratgya Yatra on Dec. 18, 2021IANS

Later, in a tweet, Rahul Gandhi said: "The streets of Amethi are the same, but there is anger in the eyes of people against the government. There is still a place for me in the hearts. We are still one, against injustice!"