Congress postpones Rahul Gandhi's Mumbai rally

MRCC says it will surely host Gandhi at Shivaji Park in near future. File pic

The Mumbai Congress withdrew a legal plea, seeking a nod to hold its former president Rahul Gandhi's rally at Shivaji Park, on the party's foundation day on December 28. It wanted the Bombay High Court to direct the state and city administration to allow the rally on condition that it will adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines during the event.

The plea was posted for hearing on Tuesday, but the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) pulled out citing the increasing number of Omicron cases. "The decision was taken in consultation with the party high command. The rally is not cancelled but postponed," said MRCC President Bhai Jagtap, adding that the MRCC will definitely host the national leader at Shivaji Park in the near future.

He said the MRCC had sought the state's permission in August, but since the request was pending, the high court was moved on Monday. "We discussed the matter with our leaders in Delhi and the state government, and withdrew the petition considering the growing number of Covid-19 cases," Jagtap said.

He said the party will celebrate the 137th foundation day at Tejpal Hall near August Kranti Maidan. "We will ensure Covid appropriate behaviour as per the rules laid down by the state," he said while addressing a media conference on Tuesday.