PMO suggests 3 dates for Modi campaign

The PMO has given three dates to the Kerala BJP leadership for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign — May 5, 8 and May 10 — from which they can choose two.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi are expected here on May 9 and 12.

A slew of Central BJP ministers is already campaigning here for its candidates. Ever since the elections were announced, Union health minister J.P. Nadda has taken additional charge of the state and is camping here. Union minister of state for skill development and entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy is also here on and making a plethora of promises, including a Union minister for the state for every BJP legislator it elects. If the party gets a majority, leaders from the state will get all prominent portfolios.

“Modi will come to the state on a two-day visit,” said a BJP general secretary. Star campaigner and actor Suresh Gopi, who has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, is also expected to accompany Mr Modi in his state-wide campaign.

Mrs Gandhi will address a rally in Thrissur on May 9 at 4 pm and Thiruvananthapuram at 6 pm. Mr Gandhi will arrive on May 12 and his first meeting is at Kayamkulam at 9.30 am followed by Angamaly (11 am), Udumbanchola (4 pm) and Purameri (6 pm). The Congress’ star campaigners to hit the campaign trail soon include A.K. Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, M. Kharge, Mukul Wasnik and Dipak Babaria.