Will Rahul Gandhi return, asks BJP

The BJP on Thursday took a jibe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, wondering if he was really set to return and attend an April 19 rally against the land acquisition legislation.

Asked about Gandhi, who is expected to come back from his sabbatical and address a rally against the government's land acquisition bill, party spokesman Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said: "Are you serious? Is he coming back?"

"We do not know if reports about the date are true. No Congress spokesperson has made any statement to this effect, this is what you (media) are saying," he said.

"Is his vacation finally over," asked Hussain.

Ahead of the first phase of the budget session of parliament, Rahul Gandhi took "leave of absence" to reflect on a series of electoral defeats and deliberate on the future course of the 130-year-old party.

The BJP has criticised the Gandhi scion for remaining missing from action during the crucial parliament session. Rahul Gandhi's whereabouts during the leave period have not been disclosed by the Congress.

Congress leaders have said he is likely to join back soon and will address the proposed rally against the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015.