The anticipation surrounding Congress candidates in Amethi and Raebareli has reached a new height as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been given additional time to finalize their decision. During a meeting today, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge suggested that both contest, leaving the final call to them given their understanding of the ground situation. They are expected to convey their decision to him by tonight, as tomorrow marks the deadline for nomination filing.
Kharge emphasized to Gandhi that refraining from contesting these family bastions could send the wrong message, not only to party workers but also to the opposition, ruling coalition, and voters at large, impacting Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
The responsibility of selecting a candidate was entrusted to Kharge by the party, who then held discussions with Gandhi in Karnataka. It’s anticipated that Gandhi will strive to reclaim Amethi, which he lost to BJP’s Smriti Irani in 2019, after representing it in parliament for three terms.
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However, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remains resolute in her decision not to contest despite immense pressure. There was widespread speculation that she would succeed her mother in Raebareli. Sonia Gandhi has been representing Raebareli in the Lok Sabha since 2004 but shifted to the Rajya Sabha this year.
The Congress has prolonged the decision on candidates for these two seats for weeks, but time is running out. Just two days ago, Congress workers protested in Amethi, demanding a Gandhi family member as the candidate. The election for both seats is scheduled for May 20th, the fifth phase.
There have been rumors that Rahul Gandhi might not be keen on contesting from Amethi, as winning would necessitate giving up his Kerala seat, which he secured in 2019. Party insiders hinted that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s reluctance may stem from the potential reinforcement of BJP’s accusations of dynasty politics if all three Gandhi family members were to hold parliamentary seats.
