New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi has so far remained absent from campaigning for the Delhi assembly elections, citing health issues. Now, the party’s local unit has turned to the Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi to take charge of campaigning for the polls on February 5, Indian Express has reported.
Priyanka is scheduled to start campaigning for the Congress in Delhi next week.
On January 20, Rahul was scheduled to hold a rally in New Delhi alongside Congress candidate from New Delhi seat Sandeep Dikshit, son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit, but he did not attend. The next day, he also skipped the party’s centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belagavi Congress session in Karnataka.
On Wednesday, The Rae Bareli MP was to address Congress’ first of three consecutive election rallies in Delhi, beginning at Inderlok Metro Station in the Sadar Bazar constituency.
At the event, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav addressed the crowd, saying, “…we are all waiting for Rahul Gandhi ji. However, due to his ill health, he may not be able to join us today. He has sent me a message to share with you…”
He then read out Rahul’s message: “Today, I am unable to attend this meeting in Sadar. I know that thousands of people who care for me are present at this gathering. I send my best wishes to all of you. I am confident that our candidate from this seat, brother Anil Bhardwaj ji, who holds a significant role in Delhi politics, along with his colleagues contesting elections, will perform well.”
“Considering their dedication, I urge all of you to work towards ensuring a massive victory for Congress. As soon as my health improves, I will make every effort to visit Delhi, especially Sadar, to meet you all. Thank you very much. Jai Hind,” the message read.
The report cited a party insider saying the Delhi unit has asked the central leadership to pass on the campaigning responsibility to Priyanka Gandhi in Rahul’s absence. Earlier, Priyanka was scheduled to join the campaign in the last leg but her schedule is now being moved ahead. She will take charge from next week.
Assembly elections on Delhi’s 70 seats will be held on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8.
