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Rahul Gandhi will launch the Congress-led UDF campaign in Kerala with a major rally in Kozhikode, as alliances intensify efforts to secure key minority and swing votes ahead of assembly polls.
Rahul Gandhi to launch Kerala poll campaign with Kozhikode rally
Kozhikode: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is set to begin his election campaign for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls with a major rally in Kozhikode on Wednesday, March 25. The event, scheduled at Kozhikode beach, marks the formal start of the Congress-led United Democratic Front’s (UDF) campaign ahead of the April 9 elections.
Senior national and state leaders are expected to attend, signalling the importance of the state in the party’s electoral strategy.
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According to Ramesh Chennithala, who heads the campaign committee, Rahul Gandhi’s outreach will be conducted in three phases, with most venues already finalised.
Top Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, are also expected to address public meetings in the state. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the MP from Wayanad, is likely to undertake an intensive tour across South and Central Kerala.
The Congress-led UDF is aiming to regain power in Kerala by capitalising on anti-incumbency against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Pinarayi Vijayan, which has been in office for a decade.
Party leaders believe recent local body election trends indicate voter fatigue, and are positioning the campaign around governance issues and public sentiment.
Both the UDF and the LDF are focusing heavily on the state’s significant minority population, which accounts for around 45 per cent of the electorate. Muslims make up approximately 27 per cent, while Christians constitute about 18 per cent.
Winning the support of these communities is seen as crucial in determining the outcome of the polls.
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The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also stepping up efforts to gain ground in the state. The alliance is attempting to broaden its appeal by targeting both Hindu voters and sections of the Christian community.
With all three major alliances intensifying their campaigns, Kerala is set for a closely watched electoral contest. The coming weeks are expected to see heightened political activity as parties vie for every segment of the electorate.
