Rahul Gandhi-Narendra Modi face-off avoided in Himachal Pradesh

A face-off between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who were to address election rallies in adjoining venues on Monday, was avoided after the BJP agreed on Friday to shift the meeting when election authorities intervened following protests by the Congress.

Earlier the Congress had lodged a complaint with Election Commission against Himachal Pradesh government for allowing a rally of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at a ground closer to a venue where Rahul Gandhi. Congress spokesman had said that permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rally – between 11 am to 3 pm on the day – was sought “much in advance” and Deputy Commissioner (Kullu) had granted approval on May 3.