Rahul, Kejriwal to visit Uttarakhand to address poll rallies

DEHRADUN: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be visiting the state for the first time ahead of the next year’s assembly election to address a public rally in Dehradun on December 16, while AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal will be visiting the state for the fifth time this year on December 14. He will address a rally in Kashipur area of Kumaon.

Suryakant Dhasmana, state Congress vice president, said apart from addressing a public rally on December 16, Gandhi will also meet senior leaders. “Party leaders and cadre from all 70 assembly segments will attend the rally. We have set a target of over one lakh people participating in the public rally. We are focusing on ensuring participation of people from Terai areas like US Nagar and Haridwar and nearby districts”, he said. Dhasmana said war veterans, who participated in 1971 Bangladesh war, will be felicitated on the occasion. “Their felicitation is part of the conclusion of the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War, 1971,” he said.

Sanjay Bhatt, spokesperson AAP Uttarakhand unit, said during his one-day visit to Kashipur in US Nagar district, which also happens to be the home district of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Kejriwal will hold meetings with party leaders and address a press conference, where he will make some fresh announcement. “Kejriwal will also hold a public rally in Kashipur. This is his fifth visit to the state this year and second visit to Kumaon,” he said.

On November 21, during his visit to Haridwar, Kejriwal had announced that if AAP is elected to power in Uttarakhand, it will provide free pilgrimage service.