Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, had been eagerly anticipating his campaign visit to Kozhikode, Kerala, on Wednesday. However, this visit has been postponed due to the hospitalization of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, a veteran Congress leader.
This development has prompted a quick adjustment to the Congress campaign schedule in Kerala. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge is now leading the outreach efforts for the United Democratic Front (UDF), which is led by the Congress.
Rahul Gandhi, a former member of parliament from Wayanad, which borders several assembly constituencies in Kozhikode, was scheduled to visit the district. However, Congress leaders said that Rahul Gandhi would return after the assembly elections in Kerala on April 9.
The visit was expected to energize Congress workers and provide momentum in closely contested assembly seats, particularly in the Malabar region, where electoral battles are often intense and finely balanced.
However, the sudden health concerns regarding Sonia Gandhi necessitated Rahul Gandhi's decision to stay in Delhi, leading to the postponement of his visit to Kozhikode.
Party sources indicated that Sonia Gandhi's health condition required immediate attention, prompting Rahul Gandhi to prioritize family responsibilities over political engagements.
While no official date has been announced for Rahul Gandhi's visit to Kerala, Congress leaders have expressed hope that he will join the poll campaign at a later stage, depending on the situation.
Meanwhile, Congress President Kharge will lead the election campaign efforts in the state.
Kharge is expected to address a series of public meetings and interact with Congress workers, focusing on consolidating support for UDF candidates.
The presence of the Congress President is seen as significant, particularly at a time when the party is looking to maintain momentum in the election campaign amid evolving political dynamics.
Veteran state Congress leaders have downplayed concerns over the change in Rahul Gandhi's schedule, asserting that the UDF campaign machinery remains robust and well coordinated.
They emphasised that the alliance continues to enjoy grassroots support and is confident of translating it into electoral gains, which was clearly visible at the local body polls held in December, causing a jolt to the CPI-M-led Left Front.
