Will Rahul Gandhi’s Presence in Raebareli Today Help Him Shake Off ‘Absconder’ Tag? Congress Rectifies 2019 Mistake
20.05.2024: Rahul Gandhi will be in Raebareli for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20. His visit holds significant weight, especially given the past mistakes that contributed to his loss in Amethi in 2019. This time, the Congress party aims to correct those errors and strengthen their position.
Past Mistake: Absence on Poll Day In the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi’s absence on poll day in Amethi was a critical misstep. He was expected to visit the booths, with his arrival anticipated around 4 PM. However, he never showed up, leaving locals and supporters disappointed. This absence was perceived as a lack of interest and commitment, which many believe contributed to his defeat.
Smriti Irani’s Strategy In contrast, Union Minister Smriti Irani, who won the Amethi seat, was actively present, visiting polling booths and engaging with voters until the last moment. Her hands-on approach left nothing to chance, showcasing her dedication and influencing the final outcome.
Rahul Gandhi’s Current Strategy Learning from past mistakes, Rahul Gandhi will be present in Raebareli to visit polling booths. His mother, Sonia Gandhi, has made an emotional appeal to voters, emphasizing her trust in her son. Priyanka Vadra has also been actively campaigning in both Amethi and Raebareli, aiming to mobilize support for the Congress.
Key Contests In Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi faces Dinesh Singh, who narrowly lost to Sonia Gandhi in 2019. Meanwhile, in Amethi, Smriti Irani is up against KL Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhis. Irani, now a registered voter in Amethi, believes her work in the constituency will secure her victory. The Gandhis, on the other hand, are confident of reclaiming their stronghold.
The Stakes for Rahul Gandhi For Rahul Gandhi, shedding the “outsider” and “absconder” labels assigned by the BJP is crucial. His presence in Raebareli and active participation in the election process are steps towards regaining the trust and support of the voters. This election is not just about winning a seat; it’s about restoring the legacy and influence of the Gandhi family in their traditional strongholds.
Rahul Gandhi’s presence in Raebareli on poll day is a strategic move to correct past mistakes and reaffirm his commitment to his constituency. The outcome of this election will determine whether he can shake off the “absconder” tag and reestablish his political footing.