Chikhli- Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was forced to cancel his election rally in Chikhli, Maharashtra's Buldhana district, on Tuesday due to a technical glitch in his chopper. This was the first of two scheduled rallies in the state, with the second planned for Gondia.

In a recorded video message, Gandhi apologized to the people of Chikhli, explaining his absence. "I apologize to all of you. I was scheduled to come and address a meeting in Chikhli and then meet soybean farmers there. I couldn’t come due to a technical probe in the aircraft," he stated.

The Congress leader expressed concern over the plight of soybean and cotton farmers in Maharashtra, blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party government for inadequate prices. He assured farmers that the INDIA bloc, if elected, would prioritize their needs and find solutions.

Gandhi's visit was intended to support Congress candidates Rahul Bondre from Chikhli, Rana Dilip Sanada from Khamgaon (also in Buldhana), and Gopaldas Agarwal from Gondia district.

Despite the setback, Gandhi is scheduled to return to Maharashtra on November 14 and 16 for further rallies. He is also expected to participate in the Maha Vikas Aghadi's final rally in Mumbai early next week, leading up to the November 20 polling.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi will also be campaigning in Maharashtra from November 13 onwards, supporting both Congress and MVA partners' candidates.