Thiruvananthapuram,31 March (H.S.):Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will lead the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) campaign in north Kerala on Tuesday, as the state enters the final phase of electioneering with just nine days remaining for polling.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a key public meeting at the Kannur Police Ground at 10 a.m., with all 11 UDF candidates from the district expected to be present. The rally is seen as a crucial effort to energise party workers and consolidate support in the politically significant Malabar region.

Following the Kannur event, he will proceed to Kozhikode district to take part in campaign programmes in Perambra and Balusseri constituencies. As part of his outreach, Rahul Gandhi will also undertake a roadshow aboard the “Indira Guarantee Bus” from Balusseri to Nanmanda, aiming to connect directly with voters.

With campaigning intensifying across Kerala, all major political fronts have deployed senior leaders and star campaigners. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded CPI(M) Politburo member Mariam Dhawale in the Malabar region, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has brought in actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar to campaign in Kozhikode.

In Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will lead the LDF campaign in key constituencies including Nemom, Vattiyoorkavu and Kazhakkoottam, where triangular contests are shaping up.

Amid the high-decibel campaign, political focus also remains on the controversy surrounding alleged SDPI links, with observers watching closely to see whether the Chief Minister will clarify his stance.

With multi-cornered contests and intensified campaigning across regions, Kerala is set for a closely fought electoral battle as polling day draws near.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman