On being asked about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidature from Amethi and Raebareli, the Congress leader said, “All preparations have been made and the Congress party will file the nomination tomorrow at 11 am.”
He further added, “People of Amethi want to see Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi as a candidate from here…We have full faith that the candidature of Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi will be announced today.”
Gandhi bastions in Amethi or not?
With just one day remaining before the nomination deadline for Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections, uncertainty persists regarding the Congress’ selections for the Amethi and Raebareli constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, long considered strongholds of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
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Reports suggest that Rahul Gandhi, who is already a candidate for the Congress from Wayanad in Kerala, may also contest from Amethi, a seat he lost to BJP leader Smriti Irani in 2019. His candidacy is expected to be officially announced on Thursday, with nomination filing set for Friday.Suggestions from Congress leaders and allies within the INDIA bloc support Rahul’s candidacy in Amethi, while also proposing Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for Raebareli.The Samajwadi Party, which had previously agreed to share seats with the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, sees potential electoral gains with Rahul and Priyanka’s involvement, according to PTI sources.While Rahul and Priyanka may seem hesitant, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge advocates for at least one of them to contest. The decision ultimately lies with Kharge, as per discussions within the party’s committee meeting.
Despite meetings held in Amethi and Raebareli, the Congress is yet to release an official statement on its candidates for these constituencies, which were historically favorable to the party.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expects a decision from the Central Election Committee (CEC), led by Kharge, within the next day.
Amidst the uncertainty, the Congress, in alliance with the Samajwadi Party, has already announced candidates for all but the Amethi and Raebareli seats.
The polling for Amethi is scheduled for the fifth phase on May 20, with the nomination deadline on May 3.
Rahul’s loss in Amethi in 2019, once a stronghold for the Congress, marked a significant setback for the party’s national standing. The seat has been held by the Gandhi family for decades, including Rahul’s tenure from 2004 to 2019, preceded by his father Rajiv Gandhi and, briefly, his mother Sonia Gandhi. Currently, Rahul represents Wayanad, while Smriti Irani seeks reelection in Amethi.
(Inputs from agencies)