Sonia to kick off Cong campaign in Guj

Ahmedabad, Nov 3: Congress President Sonia Gandhi will address a women"s rally in Gujarat"s Anand District today as a part of her party campaign for the forthcoming Assembly elections. The theme of Congress party"s campaign is said to be "Modi ka Jhoot" (Modi's falsehood). Before addressing the rally, Sonia will visit Sardar Vallabhai Patel"s native place Karamsad and will offer tributes to him.

This will be Sonia's first visit to Gujarat after the announcement of poll dates by the Election Commission.

In the run up to the two-phase polling, political activities have started gaining momentum, particularly after the Tehelka sting operations related to 2002 post Godhra riots.

The BJP and the Congress are trading charges and counter-charges against each other.

Narendra Modi's failure in effective implementation of central schemes, preventing tribals and rural people from getting employment, and 100 days of wages guaranteed under the NREG scheme will be stressed upon during the party"s campaign.

The Congress has already challenged Modi for a public debate on the issue of development in the state.

The electoral process for the 12th Gujarat State Assembly will begin from November 15, and state electorate will cast their votes on December 11 and 16.

Counting of votes for the 182-member Gujarat assembly will take place on December 23.

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each.

ANI>