Khurja (UP), Jan 10: Congress today virtually kick-started its campaign for the Lok Sabha polls in the politically key state of Uttar Pradesh, which is vital to its bid for return to power, with party president Sonia Gandhi launching a mass contact programme in Jat-dominated western part of the state. Gandhi interacted with a cross-section of people on her way to Bullandshahar and enquired about their problems and grievances assuring them action.

"Congress is launching its mass-contact programme in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls and Gandhi has special interest in the state as she represents it," senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid told reporters.

Gandhi's visit to Western Uttar Pradesh came a day after her meeting with Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Ajit Singh, who has considerable hold over the area, in an attempt to firm up electoral understanding. But talks between Gandhi and Ajit Singh apparently failed as Ajit Singh ruled out joining a Congress-led front at the national level and Congress chief seems to have decided to take the battle to the RLD chief's home turf.

Bureau Report