Thiruvananthapuram, March 28: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to begin his election campaign in Kerala on Monday. He will conduct two road shows in the Pathanamthitta district, aiming to give a fresh momentum to the United Democratic Front (UDF) campaign.
Pathanamthitta district has five assembly seats, and in the 2021 elections, the Congress-led UDF failed to secure any seats here. The upcoming road shows by Rahul Gandhi are expected to provide a significant boost to the alliance.
The UDF performed well in the local body elections held in December, and the party is confident of a better showing in the assembly elections scheduled for April 9. Rahul Gandhi’s visit is anticipated to strengthen the party’s comeback efforts.
These road shows, taking place in key areas of the district, are likely to attract large crowds, especially in a region where electoral contests are often tight and sensitive.
According to party leaders, the objective of this tour is to energize grassroots workers and solidify support in central Kerala, which is considered a crucial electoral battleground.
This visit comes after a brief disruption in Rahul Gandhi’s campaign schedule. He was initially supposed to arrive in Kerala on Wednesday to participate in a major UDF rally in Kozhikode, but had to cancel due to the sudden illness of his mother, Sonia Gandhi.
In his absence, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the rally, attempting to maintain enthusiasm among party workers, with several senior leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, also present.
Party sources indicate that during his road shows, Rahul Gandhi will address issues such as governance, development, and the growing discontent with the state government. The district’s proximity to Sabarimala adds to its political significance.
The Congress party hopes that Rahul Gandhi’s presence will invigorate workers and attract undecided voters as the elections draw near. His return could inject new energy and strength into the UDF campaign.