Kolkata, Oct 17 (IANS): Congress President Rahul Gandhi's proposed visit to the city during Durga Puja has been cancelled due to his campaign schedule ahead of the elections in the five states, said a senior state party leader on Tuesday.

Gandhi was supposed to visit the city on Ashtami (the eight Lunar day) on Wednesday.

"His visit has been cancelled. The central election committee has convened a meeting for selection of candidates for the upcoming elections in five states," party's West Bengal unit President Somen Mitra said.

Last month, Mitra was made West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee's President replacing Adhir Ranajan Chowdhury who was bitterly anti-Trinamool Congress and pro-Left.

The Congress Chief, in a message, said, "I had wanted to be present in Kolkata to offer prayers to Maa Durga and to participate in the puja celebrations, in great city of joy, with all of you. Unfortunately, the upcoming state elections and crucial preparatory meetings for them, prevent me from travelling out of Delhi at this time."

Gandhi regretted for not being able to visit the city but hoped to travel Kolkata soon.