Rahul Gandhi Cuts Short US Trip to Focus on Crucial Assembly Polls

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi has reduced his upcoming US visit to concentrate on the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assembly elections. This marks his first visit abroad since becoming Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will lead the party's campaign in his absence.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, is abbreviating his forthcoming USA visit to just 5-7 days to concentrate on the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assembly polls, sources revealed. Initially planned for 10-12 days in September, the visit has now been trimmed significantly with several programs canceled.

This marks Rahul Gandhi's first overseas trip since assuming his parliamentary role. Sources indicated that he will address the Indian diaspora in Texas during the shortened visit. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will commence campaigning for the party in the second week of September.

Vadra's campaign is expected to include 5 to 7 roadshows and over 15 election rallies across both states, with more than a dozen scheduled in Haryana. As for election strategies, Congress has allied with the National Conference for Jammu and Kashmir polls, while choosing to contest alone in Haryana, dismissing speculation about a partnership with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the counting set for October 4. The Union Territory's 88.06 lakh electors will vote for 90 assembly constituencies. Haryana will hold its 90-member assembly elections on October 1, with results to be announced on October 4.

In the 2019 elections, BJP formed a coalition government with JJP in Haryana. However, the alliance dissolved earlier this year. The state now anticipates a four-way contest in 2024 between BJP, Congress, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), and AAP. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)