New Delhi, October 30: The Congress on Wednesday downplayed Rahul Gandhi's absence from the party's planned protest against the Modi government on the economic slowdown in the country. Rahul Gandhi, who left for abroad again for meditation on Monday, will join the Congress's protest in its last leg. Defending Rahul Gandhi's absence, the Congress party said that he was instrumental in planning the scheduled demonstration. Rahul Gandhi Fires Salvo at PM Modi: 'Where Were You When Floods Devastated Kerala?'

"Rahul Gandhi has gone in the past from time to time on a meditational visit, on which he is currently there. This entire programme (protest against Modi government on the economic situation) was drafted as per his direction and in consultation with him," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said. Congress has planned to hold 35 press conferences between November 1 and 8 to highlight the country's current economic situation. Assembly Elections 2019: No Reaction From Rahul Gandhi on Poll Results So Far.

The grand old party will also hold protests from November 5 to 15. Senior Congress leaders will address press conferences from district to state level and a major event has been planned in Delhi where other opposition parties have also been invited. Rahul Gandhi had gone out of the country in the first week of October, leaving poll campaigning in Haryana and Maharashtra. However, he addressed rallies in both states after his return.

On October 23, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary KC Venugopal said that protests would be organised in districts and state capitals, which would be culminating in a massive programme in the national capital.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2019 02:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).