Rahul Gandhi’s Political Move: Opting for Raebareli Over Amethi in 2024 Elections
Credit: NDTV News
04.05.2024: In a surprising turn of events, Rahul Gandhi has chosen to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Raebareli instead of his traditional stronghold of Amethi. This strategic decision by the Congress has sparked discussions and raised questions about its implications.
The recent announcement came as a last-minute twist in the Congress’s decision-making process regarding the constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli. Rahul Gandhi, who was anticipated to make a strong bid for Amethi, has been declared as the party’s candidate for Raebareli, a seat previously held by his mother Sonia Gandhi before she moved to the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, Amethi, which had been a long-standing bastion for the Gandhi family but was lost to the BJP five years ago, will see Kishori Lal Sharma, a devoted loyalist of the Gandhi family, representing the Congress.
The timing of this decision, made public after weeks of suspense, has added an element of intrigue to the electoral landscape. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to conduct a major roadshow after filing his nomination, with Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge expected to join in.
Following the nomination announcements for both prestigious seats, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her congratulations to K.L. Sharma, citing his loyalty and dedication as strengths that would aid in his electoral success in Amethi.
However, this move has not been without its share of concerns and speculations. The switch in seats for Rahul Gandhi has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of BJP leader Smriti Irani’s victory in Amethi in 2019. Irani, set to defend her seat, has characterized the Congress’s delay in announcing their candidate as a sign of apprehension regarding her impending victory.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s decision to not contest from Raebareli has also attracted attention and speculation within the Congress ranks. Some party members fear that this could contribute to a negative perception and impact the overall election outcome, especially considering that all three Gandhis would be in parliament if Rahul were to win both Raebareli and Wayanad.
Ultimately, Rahul Gandhi’s choice to contest from Raebareli over Amethi signifies a strategic maneuver with potential ramifications for both the Congress party and the broader political landscape.