Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled campaign visit to Kozhikode, Kerala, has been postponed following his mother Sonia Gandhi’s hospitalization. This unexpected development has led to a reorganization of the Congress campaign in Kerala, with party President Mallikarjun Kharge taking charge of the United Democratic Front’s outreach efforts. Rahul Gandhi, who was supposed to visit Kozhikode, will now focus on the upcoming Assembly polls in Kerala on April 9.
The postponement of Rahul Gandhi’s visit has created a shift in the campaign dynamics, especially in the closely contested Assembly seats of the Malabar region. Party sources revealed that Sonia Gandhi’s health issues required immediate attention, prompting Rahul Gandhi to prioritize his family responsibilities over political engagements. Despite the delay, there is optimism that Rahul Gandhi will join the campaign trail in Kerala at a later stage.
In Rahul Gandhi’s absence, Congress President Kharge will lead the party’s campaign activities in Kerala. Kharge is expected to engage in public meetings and interact with party workers to bolster support for UDF candidates. His presence is considered crucial as the party aims to sustain its campaign momentum amidst changing political scenarios.
State Congress leaders have expressed confidence in the UDF’s campaign machinery, downplaying concerns about the schedule change. They highlighted the alliance’s strong grassroots backing, citing the success in the recent local body polls, which posed a challenge to the CPI-M-led Left Front.
