PM to kick-start his campaign tomorrow from Kumaon

Dehra Dun, Jan 19: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will kick-start his election campaign for Congress for the coming Assembly polls by holding a rally at Rudrapur in Kumaon region of Uttaranchal from Friday, Jan 20.

He would arrive at the headquarters of the Udhamsingh Nagar district in the afternoon to address the rally which comes barely three days after Congress chief Sonia Gandhi addressed two rallies in Garhwal region.

Top state Congress leaders, including PCC chief Yashpal Arya, would be present at the rally, party sources said.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the Prime Minister's visit. SPG commandos have already arrived at Rudrapur to take stock of the situation. "We have beefed up security arrangements at Rudrapur," Kumaon Inspector General (IG) of Police R S Meena said.

Meena said the police is keeping a close watch on all the vulnerable areas of Rudrapur.

However, it is still not clear whether the Prime Minister would also address a similar rally in Garhwal region as there is no such programme available with the police and Congress party.

Earlier, Congress party had stated that Singh would address two rallies at Rishikesh in Garhwal region.

Assembly polls would be held in the state on January 30.

PTI