The Haryana BJP has pinned its hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will address a series of rallies across the state, beginning in Karnal, from Saturday. The rally is being considered the BJP’s way to counter the INLD’s campaign, especially after the party brought in its convicted chief Om Prakash Chautala to address a political rally in Jind. The PM is expected to address eight-ten rallies in the state, covering all 10 parliamentary constituencies. Senior leaders Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Vasundhara Raje and Shivraj Singh Chouhan are also expected to address rallies. BJP leader Virender Garg said, “In the next 10 days, the party campaign will be high voltage. Besides Modi, a number of other leaders are coming to address rallies. There is no damage to the party because of Chautala’s appearance in the poll battle." The Congress campaign will also pick up pace as party president Sonia Gandhi addresses rallies at Rohtak and Sirsa Saturday. CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has already reached Rohtak to pep up cadres in his hometown. Congress sources said the party had intentionally organised Sonia’s rally in Rohtak, where it can ensure success, unlike the lacklustre Rahul Gandhi rallies during the Lok Sabha polls. Rahul will also campaign in the coming week, as will other senior Congress leaders. Campaigning ends on October 13 and the state goes to polls on October 15.
