Rahul to address April 19 rally: Congress

Amid continuing speculation on the date Rahul Gandhi's return from his "leave of absence", the Congress said on Wednesday said he will address a kisan-mazdoor (farmers-workers) rally here on April 19 and that his right to privacy should be respected.

"Our vice president went on a sabbatical after a statement from his office that he will not be available for a few weeks," Congress leader P.C.Chacko told reporters in response to repeated questions about the date of Rahul Gandhi's return.

"Every individual has a right to privacy and we must respect that. Our vice president did not escape or disappear," Chacko said, adding that he is coming back to address the rally to be held on April 19.

Party sources said Rahul Gandhi is expected to hold meetings to discuss preparations for the rally after his return. They said his name was on the invite for the rally and it was a confirmation of his attending it.

Rahul Gandhi went on leave ahead of the budget session of parliament which began on February 23. - IANS