Congress’ Big Guns Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge to Campaign in Odisha This Week

Bhubaneswar: After cancelling a trip to Odisha nearly two weeks ago, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is gearing up to campaign for the second phase of state elections. He will address a public rally in Balangir on May 15.

According to Ajoy Kumar, the Congress in-charge for Odisha, Rahul Gandhi will touch down in Bhubaneswar around 11 am before directly heading to Balangir for the scheduled public meeting at approximately 11:30 am. Additionally, there are plans for Rahul to participate in a bike rally in the town of western Odisha.

Notably, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will also visit Odisha on May 16 and attend a public meeting in Kandhamal. Kharge will also hold a press conference in Bhubaneswar on the same day.

Further adding to the party’s engagement in the region, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Jairam Ramesh is also scheduled to host a press conference in Bhubaneswar on May 14.

Rahul Gandhi had previously launched his election campaign for Congress in Odisha from Salepur in Cuttack district on April 28. However, his subsequent rally in Rayagada district had to be delivered via video message on May 3 due to prior commitments related to filing nomination papers for the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh.

Expressing enthusiasm about Rahul’s impending visit, Samarendra Mishra, the Congress candidate for the Balangir assembly seat, emphasized the special bond Rahul shares with the people of western Odisha. Mishra expressed confidence that Rahul’s presence and rally would galvanize support, paving the way for a resounding victory.