Rahul Gandhi skips Kerala rally as Sonia Gandhi admitted, Kharge steps in

Kozhikode: Rahul Gandhi has called off his scheduled visit to Kerala following health concerns involving his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday night.

She is currently under medical observation, with reports indicating that her condition is stable and not considered serious.

The Congress leader was expected to kick off his election campaign in Kerala with a major rally in Kozhikode, marking the beginning of outreach efforts for the upcoming Assembly elections. However, due to the sudden development, the programme has been postponed.

In his absence, Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Congress party, has stepped in to lead the campaign event. He has already departed for Kerala and is set to address the scheduled gathering in Kozhikode, where the United Democratic Front had planned a large-scale public meeting.

According to party sources, Sonia Gandhi was hospitalised after experiencing discomfort, possibly linked to changing weather conditions. She has a history of respiratory issues, including bronchial asthma, and had earlier been admitted this year due to complications related to cold weather and pollution.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit was seen as a significant political moment ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, where he was expected to outline the Congress-led alliance’s strategy and key promises.

Meanwhile, both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are currently in Delhi and are said to be at the hospital as Sonia Gandhi remains under observation.

The development has led to a temporary reshuffle in campaign plans, though party leaders maintain that scheduled political activities in Kerala will continue under alternate leadership.