Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is gearing up to start his campaign in Kerala by conducting two roadshows in Pathanamthitta district on Monday. Pathanamthitta district, comprising five Assembly constituencies, saw the Congress-led UDF failing to secure any seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. The upcoming roadshows by Rahul Gandhi are anticipated to provide a significant boost to the alliance’s electoral prospects.
The UDF performed well in the local body polls held in December, raising hopes for an improved performance in the upcoming April 9 Assembly elections. The party leadership is optimistic about a strong resurgence with the arrival of Rahul Gandhi. The roadshows, set to take place at strategic locations in the district, are expected to attract large crowds, especially in an area known for closely contested and politically significant electoral battles.
The purpose of Rahul Gandhi’s visit is to invigorate grassroots workers and strengthen support in central Kerala, with Pathanamthitta identified as a crucial battleground. Following a brief disruption in his campaign schedule, Rahul Gandhi will be making his way to Kerala. Initially scheduled to attend the UDF’s “maha rally” in Kozhikode, his trip was postponed due to his mother, Sonia Gandhi’s sudden illness.
In Rahul Gandhi’s absence, Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge led the rally, emphasizing the UDF’s campaign themes against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Noteworthy state leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, were also in attendance, underscoring the party’s commitment to sustaining campaign momentum despite the unforeseen change. Rahul Gandhi’s roadshows in Pathanamthitta are expected to address critical political issues such as governance, development, and the Congress’s stance on the state government’s alleged growing unpopularity.
Given the district’s proximity to Sabarimala, a significant aspect of Kerala’s political narrative, the Congress is banking on Rahul Gandhi’s presence to energize party workers and attract undecided voters as the campaign intensifies. As the election discourse sharpens, Rahul Gandhi’s return to Kerala is poised to inject vigor and visibility into the UDF’s campaign in the upcoming days.
