KOLLAM:  Rahul Gandhi arrived in the seashore village near Kollam, Kerala on Wednesday and took off on the fishing boat. When he returned he said it has been on his bucket list for a long time to spend some time with the fishermen. Rahul Gandhi, the  Wayanad MP said he has been asking the leaders here to arrange for him to travel with the fisherfolk. It was "a dream come true," said Rahul Gandhi after spending an hour in the sea on a boat with fishermen off the coast here in Kerala.

"Right from the time I hopped into the boat, the travel on the high sea till the time I got out -- it was all an experience that taught me how difficult life is for a fisherman, who is engaged in a fight with the sea and finally the biggest profit is for someone else.

"I saw for myself when the net was cast and later pulled out, there was just one squid - I was expecting a net full of fish, but it was not to be," said Gandhi, as he engaged in direct interaction with thousands of fishermen who had turned up on the seashore to hear him. "First time I have realized the difficulties of yours to get the fish on others' plate," added Gandhi and asked the huge gathering of fisherfolk to tell what they want.

"This one hour in the sea has made me respect you even more because your life is dangerous and risky and even though we all eat fish, not many think of the tough life that you have.

Replying to a question on what the former Congress President's plans were for the fisherfolk, Gandhi said, "while the farmers have a dedicated ministry, the fishermen do not have". "I assure you that we will set up a dedicated ministry for looking after your needs. I will do my best to see how your life can be made easy.

Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi over falling Puducherry government

CM Yogi slams Rahul Gandhi saying 'Divisive politics is your political rite ...'

Bigg Boss 14: Rahul Vaidya reveals when he will marry Disha Parmar