As Congress awaits results, Sonia leaves for US

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who was conspicuous by her absence from the campaign for the Assembly Elections in five states, especially in Uttar Pradesh has left for the the United States for medical tests and treatment, at a time when the party is awaiting the results with bated breath. She is expected to return on March 22, subject to her doctor's advice, the party sources said.

Congress sources said Gandhi's absence from the campaign was due to her ill health. She had taken ill during the Varanasi roadshow in August 2016, and had to be hospitalised. She also wanted to leave field open for Rahul Gandhi, who spearheaded the party's campaign.

In 2011, she was also operated in the US. But, her party has so far refused to provide details of her condition, saying only that she was being treated in America. Her attendance in parliament has also been irregular.

Before flying out, she spoke to senior Congress leaders informing them of her plans. She stated that her son Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Vice President, will take decisions on her behalf.

Rahul is expected to chair an informal meeting with Congress MPs on Friday to discuss their strategy for the Parliament session that began on Thursday and will run till April 12.