Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his scheduled Rahul Gandhi Kerala visit, citing concerns over the health of his mother, Sonia Gandhi. The Congress chief was set to kick off the party’s Assembly election campaign with a major rally in Kozhikode, but plans changed at the last moment.
Stepping in to fill the gap, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has departed for the poll-bound state and will now lead the campaign launch in Rahul Gandhi’s absence.
Sonia Gandhi Under Medical Observation in Delhi
The development comes shortly after Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. Sources indicate that her illness is linked to seasonal changes and is not serious. Doctors are closely monitoring her condition, and she is being treated by a team of specialists. Sonia Gandhi has previously experienced respiratory issues and was hospitalised earlier this year when cold weather and high pollution aggravated her bronchial asthma.
Kharge to Lead Rally as Rahul Gandhi Kerala Visit Postponed”
With Rahul Gandhi stepping back temporarily, Kharge will address the rally at Kozhikode Beach, scheduled for Wednesday evening. The event, organised by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is expected to draw significant attention as the formal start of the party’s election campaign.
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Kerala remains a crucial battleground where Congress is aiming to regain ground against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). This shift ensures that the momentum of the campaign is maintained despite the postponement of Rahul Gandhi’s Kerala visit.
Congress Looks to Recover from 2021 Setback
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the LDF secured a decisive victory, winning 99 seats and returning to power for a second consecutive term. The UDF, led by Congress, managed only 41 seats, marking a decline from its previous performance. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance lost its only seat and saw its vote share shrink.
Against this backdrop, the Congress is hoping to recover lost ground in the upcoming elections. Kharge’s rally now marks the opening of that effort, ensuring that the party’s outreach continues despite Rahul Gandhi’s temporary absence.
Campaign Continues Despite Rahul Gandhi’s Absence
Rahul Gandhi’s cancellation of the Rahul Gandhi Kerala visit underscores the party’s focus on Sonia Gandhi’s health, but Congress leaders have emphasised that campaign activities will continue without disruption.
Senior leaders, led by Kharge, are expected to carry forward the outreach efforts until Rahul Gandhi is able to resume his schedule and join the campaign trail, keeping the momentum of the Rahul Gandhi Kerala visit alive in spirit.