Rahul looks to take a jab at BJP in its soft spot — Saurashtra

As election heat picks up in Gujarat, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned in its attempt to take power in the State.

The party’s State unit has asked Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi to kick-start its poll campaign from Saurashtra: one of the ruling BJP’s most vulnerable geographies.

Rahul, who is set to arrive in Gujarat on September 25, will camp in Saurashtra for three days.

Poll strategy The Congress’ poll strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections involves the creation of four campaign segments.

Rahul will campaign in each region for three days, participating in the ‘Jan Samvaad’, (dialogue with people).

In Saurashtra, the Congress scion will begin the ‘Jan Samvaad’ from Dwarka, on the western coast of the State, and end at Chotila, one of the Congress’ stronghold in Surendranagar district. During the visit, Rahul will also cover districts of Jamnagar and Rajkot.

Meetings and dandiya Party insiders said Rahul has public meetings, party gatherings and engagements with business fraternity, women and youth on his schedule. He is also likely to try his hand at Dandiya, and participate in other Navratri festivities.

Saurashtra continues to be crucial political battlefield as it has nearly 33 per cent representation in the 182-member State Assembly. However, the Congress may have a tough battle fighting the BJP as Chief Minister Vijay Rupani himself belongs to the region, representing Rajkot constituency.

Earlier this month, Rahul had sounded the poll bugle by conducting a townhall with party workers in Ahmedabad.

The Congress Vice-President will have two night halts — the first at Jamnagar, and another at Rajkot. He may also engage with the Patidar community from the region when he visits the Khodaldham temple.

After Saurashtra, North, Central and South Gujarat will figure on Rahul’s poll itinerary.