BEGUSARAI: In a strikingly spontaneous moment on Sunday, Congress leaderRahul Gandhi swapped the political stage for a splash in a village pond, joining local fishermen in catching fish after addressing an election rally in Begusarai.After concluding his speech, Rahul travelled about 3km to Bharra village in the Begusarai assembly constituency, accompanied by Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani. Upon reaching the pond, Rahul boarded a small boat to meet fishermen casting their nets. When Kanhaiya jumped into the water, Rahul followed suit, drawing cheers from the locals gathered around.

Even the SPG personnel waded into the pond to ensure his security as the Congress leader wove through the water, laughing and chatting with the fishermen.Begusarai Congress candidate Amita Bhushan said Rahul’s gesture was completely impromptu. “After Rahul ji concluded his speech, he was curious about some fishermen nearby. When told they were heading to catch fish in a pond close by, he immediately decided to follow them and reached Bharra village pokhar,” she said.During his time at the pond, Rahul not only displayed his swimming skills but also helped pull in fishing nets alongside the locals.Afterwards, he headed to the nearby home of Mahadev Sah, where he took a bath at a handpump in an open bathroom before changing clothes inside one of the rooms. Savita Devi, a member of Mahadev Sah’s family, said the experience was unforgettable. “It was amazing to have Rahul come to our house. After taking a bath at the handpump, he changed his clothes and chatted with us briefly. My daughters and I even took a selfie with him. He stayed for about 10 minutes and asked how we were before leaving,” she said.