After weeks of anticipation, the Congress party made a major announcement on May 3, revealing its candidates for two key constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been nominated as Rae Bareli’s candidate in the election contest, while Kishori Lal Sharma is a member of the Amethi Party, the seat that Rahul Gandhi lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Become a representative of
A senior leader said Priyanka was asked not to contest to blunt the dynasty’s attacks on the Gandhi family. The decision marks a historic shift and marks the first time in 25 years that a member of the Gandhi family will not take part in the fight against Amethi. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra praised Mr. Sharma’s dedication to public service and expressed his happiness over his candidature in Amethi.
There were speculations that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might contest from either Amethi or Rae Bareli given her active role in campaigning along with her brother Rahul. However, she chose not to contest, instead focusing on her election campaign and not providing ammunition to the BJP’s accusations of dynastic politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party have consistently criticized the Congress for promoting dynastic politics. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reportedly stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation of these accusations by limiting the representation of the Gandhi family in Parliament.
Some Congress leaders said there was hesitation in fielding all three members of the Gandhi family in Parliament, given that the party often faces accusations of “dynastic politics” from the Bharatiya Janata Party. There is.
Gandhi’s close aides say the party is fielding Rahul Gandhi from Rae Bareli because it cannot afford to let go of its only stronghold in Uttar Pradesh, especially after losing Amethi in the last election. The decision was said to be strategic.
Amethi and Rae Bareli have been traditional strongholds of the Gandhi family since Sanjay Gandhi became an MP in 1980. Sonia Gandhi ran from Amethi in 1999 and switched to Rae Bareli in 2004, paving the way for Rahul’s electoral debut.
Kishori Lal Sharma, a trusted ally of Gandhi in Amethi and Rae Bareli, will face stiff competition from incumbent Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is campaigning vigorously in the region. Voting for Amethi and Rae Bareli is scheduled to be held on May 20 in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections.
Published on: Friday, May 3, 2024, 7:38 PM IST
