Gujarat election: On last day of campaign, Rahul Gandhi's temple run continues

On the last day of campaigning for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly election, Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi continued his temple run.

Rahul Gandhi today visited the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad, and will later address a press conference at 1 in the afternoon.

Rahul as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshows in Ahmedabad were cancelled on Monday after Gujarat police denied permission, citing traffic congestion and public inconvenience.

Modi, also in Gujarat today, will board India's first seaplane from Sabarmati and fly to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana. Later in the day, he will offer prayers at the Ambaji Temple.

Temple visits have been a main feature of Rahul Gandhi's election campaign in Gujarat, prompting talks about the Congress leader playing the soft Hindutva card in the state.

Rahul recently visited the Shree Ranchhod Raiji Temple at Dakor in Kheda district where BJP supporters chanted Modi-Modi when the Congress leader was making an exit. Outside the same temple, a little boy came running to Rahul and planted a kiss on his cheeks.

The Congress leader's visit to the famous Somnath Temple was caught in controversy after it was alleged that Rahul Gandhi signed the visitor's register meant for non-Hindus. The BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi and said "religion is a matter of convenuience" for the Congress leader.

Rahul, in turn, said that "people associated with BJP" wrote his name in another visitor's book, and said that he and his family are Shiv bhakts.