Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) For 75-year-old Sambobrata Bandopadhyay, attending the rallies of important political leaders in Kolkata is a great pastime.
“I attend all political rallies. I don’t have any political affiliation. I go there to enjoy. I get a kick watching the leaders of our nation abuse each other,” said the Life Insurance Corp of India agent.

Bandopadhyay, a resident of Mandirtala in Howrah, claims he has not missed a single political meeting of important leaders over the years. And he always carries binoculars to get a close view of the personalities.

“I have heard leaders of all parties - be it Rajnath Singh or L.K. Advani or Mamata Banerjee,” he said.

Sure enough, as Congress supporters gathered in strength for Rahul Gandhi’s rally here Monday, he too joined them at the Shahid Minar Maidan ground.

He got through the security cordon and took his seat at the media enclosure.

Bandopadhyay listened to Rahul Gandhi’s speech in rapt attention but was a trifle disappointed that the young leader did not hurl abuses.

“He is young and good looking. I had heard a lot about him. I think he is not as great a crowd-puller as his father Rajiv Gandhi.

“But I liked Rahul. If he wants he can do a lot of good work,” he said.

Bandopadhyay, of course, also utilized the rally to make new friends to further his insurance business.

“In this profession, one has to reach out to people. A rally affords me that opportunity also,” he said.