New Delhi, Feb 15 (Agencies): Aiming to retain power amid a keen BJP challenge in the key northeastern state of Assam, Rahul Gandhi will launch the Congress poll campaign today.

The Congress Vice President will be addressing a public meeting at Jorhat, the constituency represented by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

Considering it a stronghold after ruling the state for the last 15 years, Congress has decided to fight the polls alone.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has projected Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as its Chief Ministerial candidate in the state.

During his two-day visit, Mr Gandhi will be addressing a booth workers meeting in Sonitpur district and a women workers' meeting in Lakhimpur district starting today.

He is also expected to interact with leaders of the tea garden labourers community in the upper Assam district of Sivasagar, before meeting Youth Congress and NSUI leaders in the state.

Mr Gandhi will take out a padyatra in Sivasagar district on Tuesday.