Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 21: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will kick off his election campaign in Kerala with a major rally at Kozhikode Beach on March 25, marking the start of an extensive outreach across key constituencies ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.

Kerala voters will elect 140 legislators, with the Congress-led UDF seeking to capitalize on its strong performance in December’s local body polls, while the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front, under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, aims for a historic third consecutive term. The BJP, currently without Assembly representation, is also targeting a stronger foothold.

Campaign committee chairman Ramesh Chennithala said the Kozhikode rally will feature Rahul Gandhi presenting the UDF’s key poll promises, including the party’s much-publicized guarantee card, before a large gathering of supporters and party workers.

Rahul Gandhi’s statewide schedule is expected to be rigorous, with strong participation from national and state leaders, reflecting the party’s focus on Kerala. While Sonia Gandhi’s presence seems unlikely, Priyanka Gandhi will lead a statewide campaign, replicating her efforts from the April 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Other notable leaders slated to campaign include Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar, Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy, and senior Congress figures like Sachin Pilot, highlighting a coordinated national push ahead of the elections.