New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi will address nine election rallies including two in crucial Seemanchal region of Bihar, where Asaduddin Owaisi's MIM threatens to upset the secular grand alliance of JD(U), RJD and Congress that is locked in a tough battle against BJP-led NDA.
As per the programme finalised so far, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will also address at least four rallies during the party's month-long campaign, which will start on October 3 from Bhagalpur.
Sources in the party said there may be some additions in the number of rallies addressed by these leaders as per the demand of the state unit. At present they are scheduled to address 13 rallies altogether. Rahul will be holding public meetings on October 7, 26 and 30. He is scheduled to address three rallies everyday.
On October 7, he will be in Begusarai, Sheikhpura and Kaimur near Sasaram followed by West Champaran, East Champaran and Sitamarhi on October 26 and Kishanganj and Katihar in Seemanchal region on October 30th.
Voting will take place in Kishanganj and Katihar in the last phase on November 5, when the maximum of 57 Assembly constituencies go to the polls on a single day. Both the districts have large Muslim population, which is expected to play a decisive role in the poll outcome.
The election results from Seemanchal region have always played a key role in government formation in the state. This time Owaisi is making a debut in Bihar polls and has chosen to field candidates, including rebels from established parties, in the Seemanchal region, which threatens to ruin the prospect of the grand alliance.
Besides, NCP's Tariq Anwar, Katihar MP, has been named as chief ministerial candidate of the Samajwadi Party-led third front of six parties that includes Pappu Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L), Samras Samaj Party (SSP), Nationalists Peoples Party (NPP) and Samajwadi Janata Party (SJP).
