In a bold declaration at a Kannauj rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that the ‘INDIA Bloc storm’ is approaching Uttar Pradesh and that Narendra Modi’s aspirations to become India’s prime minister will be dashed. ‘Write it down,’ Gandhi implored, ‘Narendra Modi will not ascend to the position of India’s Prime Minister.’ The INC and the Samajwadi Party (SP), both members of the INDIA Bloc, have formed an alliance for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi extolled the virtues of the combined opposition, stating, ‘An INDIA Bloc storm is descending upon Uttar Pradesh. The BJP will encounter its most devastating defeat in the state’s electoral history.’ Akhilesh Yadav of the SP and Sanjay Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also addressed the gathering. On May 13, Kannauj casts its ballots.