PM to launch a two-day campaign in Kerala

New Delhi, Apr 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will undertake a two-day campaign for the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidates in the April-May assembly elections in Kerala, held in three phases.

However, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will campaign for only one day (April 18 ) for the first phase of the poll scheduled for April 22.

This is obviously due to the fact that she has to devote more time in the by-election in Rae Bareli where she is seeking re-election after resigning the seat following the office-of-profit controversy.

KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala told mediapersons here today that the date of visit of the Prime Minister was tentatively fixed for April 19 and 20. He would address public meetings in six venues during the two days. However, the venues are yet to be finalised.

The PCC chief said the programmes of Dr Singh and Ms Gandhi were being arranged in such a way that the two leaders covered different places during the campaign.

Mr Chennithala, who held 20 minute-long meeting with Ms Gandhi, said she would address public meetings at Neyyattinkara, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Kollam during her first leg of the campaign on April 18.

He said Ms Gandhi is also expected to visit the state on her second leg of the campaign for the second and the third phase of polling slated for April 28 and May three.

Mr Chennithala, who took over as the PCC chief a year ago, said he would undertake an yatra in all the 140 assembly assembly constituencies from April 10.

He said there was no visible anti-incumbency wave against the ruling coalition and the group rivalry in the CPI(M) would help the Congress-led front to return to power after the elections.

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