In a surprising turn of events, Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader of the Gandhi family and former MP from Amethi, has opted to contest from Rae Bareli, a constituency held by his mother, Sonia Gandhi, for the past two decades. This decision, announced by the Congress party, has stirred both anticipation and criticism.
Rahul Gandhi Files Nomination From Rae Bareli and KL Sharma From Amethi
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, filed his nomination papers from Rae Bareli amidst a show of party unity.
In a parallel move, Dinesh Pratap Singh has been appointed by the BJP to contest against Rahul Gandhi in Rae Bareli, marking a significant electoral challenge for the Congress leader. Additionally, Gandhi family loyalist Kirori Lal Sharma filed his nomination from Amethi, signalling Congress’s multi-dimensional electoral strategy.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra congratulated him on X, she tweeted:
“Our family has a long-standing relationship with Kishori Lal Sharma ji. He was always engaged whole-heartedly in serving the people of Amethi and Rae Bareli. His passion for public service is an example in itself.
Today it is a matter of happiness that Shri Kishori Lal ji has been made the candidate from Amethi by the Congress Party. Kishori Lal ji’s loyalty and dedication towards duty will definitely bring him success in this election.
Lots of best wishes.”
Reason for Congress’s decision
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh elucidated the party’s rationale behind the decision, stating, “Rahul’s connection with the people extends beyond Amethi and Rae Bareli.” He emphasized that the move was not merely based on inheritance but on a sense of responsibility and duty towards the electorate.
“Rae Bareli has been the seat not only of Sonia ji but also of Indira Gandhi herself. It is not an inheritance; it is a responsibility and a duty.”
“As far as the Gandhi family is concerned, it is not just Amethi-Rae Bareli, the entire country from north to south is the stronghold of the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi has been MP thrice from Uttar Pradesh and once from Kerala. Why has the Prime Minister been unable to muster the courage to contest an election from a single seat below the Vindhyas?”
Ramesh’s statement underscores the party’s confidence in Rahul Gandhi’s ability to secure victory in a new political arena.
“This is a long election. There are a few chess moves still left to play. Let’s wait for a bit.” He said.
While the speculations about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting elections has been cleared. “Priyanka ji is campaigning vigorously and is single-handedly silencing Narendra Modi’s lies. The way she responded to the canards that the PM was spreading on the abolition of estate duty in March 1985 was a stinging rebuke. That is why it was important that she should not be limited to just one constituency. She is campaigning across the country.” Jairam Ramesh tweeted explaining ‘Priyanka’s decision of staying back from contesting election.
The BJP swiftly responded to Rahul Gandhi’s decision with criticism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi taunted Gandhi, urging him not to evade the voters of Amethi. He said, “I had already said that the Shehzada is going to lose in Wayanad. I had said that as soon as the polling was completed in Wayanad, he would start looking for another second seat… He is so scared of Amethi that he is running towards Rae Bareli. They ask everyone ‘Daro Mat.’ Today, I also ask them, ‘Daro Mat, Bhago Mat’.” This remark underscores the BJP’s attempt to capitalize on Gandhi’s departure from his traditional stronghold and create a narrative of political retreat.
Earlier, Smriti Irani, BJP’s candidate from Amethi, seized the opportunity to mock the Congress’s delay in announcing candidates. She said, “The leadership is aware that this is a losing seat for them, because if they were so confident of their victory, they would have announced their candidate by now.” Irani’s remarks reflect the intense competition brewing in both Rae Bareli and Amethi and highlight the BJP’s determination to maintain its electoral stronghold.
In a tweet on X, Congress echoed Jairam Ramesh’s sentiment, affirming the strategic nature of Rahul Gandhi’s decision and emphasizing the party’s commitment to presenting a formidable challenge to its opponents.
“This election is an election to protect democracy in the country, an election to establish justice by defeating injustice. We will protect democracy at all costs. Will fight and win.” The party said.
To read the full Congress Manifesto, Click here’
जननायक @RahulGandhi जी ने उत्तर प्रदेश के रायबरेली से लोकसभा चुनाव का नामांकन भरा।
ये चुनाव देश में लोकतंत्र की रक्षा का चुनाव है, अन्याय को हराकर न्याय की स्थापना का चुनाव है।
हम हर कीमत पर लोकतंत्र की रक्षा करेंगे।
लड़ेंगे और जीतेंगे ✊ pic.twitter.com/Rb5fRFcLri— Congress (@INCIndia) May 3, 2024
The Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases, have seen intense campaigning across the country. Rae Bareli and Amethi are scheduled to go to polls in the fifth phase on May 20, with results expected to be announced on June 4.
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