The opposition Congress on Monday confirmed its vice-president Rahul Gandhi will address a farmers' rally in New Delhi on April 19.

"Rahul Gandhi will address the Kisan Rally of the Congress on April 19," senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said. Rahul's mother and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is currently leading a united opposition in its protest against the contentious Land Ordinance.

Rahul's prolonged leave of absence from the national capital as his party battled the ruling NDA on land acquisition and other issues was severely mocked by the BJP recently.

The statement from the Congress also came amid a controversy over spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit saying the party needs president Sonia Gandhi more than ever. "For 97 to 99 per cent of Congressmen, their leader is Sonia Gandhi and there is no doubt about this fact," he said.

There are speculations that Rahul may be promoted as the party chief at the next All India Congress Committee meeting, which was scheduled to be held this month but has now been moved to September.

When asked about the statement, Digvijaya said, "Which Congress leader says Sonia Gandhi shouldn't be in command. She is the leader of the party, it's for her to decide."