Rahul Gandhi Files Nomination in Raebareli, Accompanied by Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka

With the support of his mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi officially filed his nomination papers for the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. Accompanied by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi’s husband Robert Vadra, Rahul Gandhi submitted the necessary documents at the district magistrate’s office.

Earlier today, the Congress leadership unveiled its candidates for two significant seats – Amethi and Raebareli. Clarifying speculation about Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy in Amethi, a constituency he has represented three times in the Lok Sabha, the Congress nominated Kishori Lal Sharma for the seat.

Raebareli, A strong hold of Congress

Raebareli has long been regarded as a stronghold for the Congress, having secured victory in 17 out of 20 elections. However, the seat holds a unique historical footnote as the place where sitting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suffered electoral defeat in 1977, losing to Janata Party’s Raj Narain following the Emergency. Previously, the seat was held by Rahul Gandhi’s grandfather and Indira Gandhi’s husband, Feroze Gandhi.

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For the past two decades, Sonia Gandhi has represented Raebareli. Despite BJP’s significant electoral gains in 2014 and 2019, the seat remained with the Congress. Mrs. Gandhi has now transitioned to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for her son’s candidacy. In Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi faces competition from BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh, the runner-up in the 2019 election.

Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi

The Congress’s choice for Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma, boasts a long-standing allegiance to the Gandhi family and has served as an MP’s representative in the two constituencies for an extended period. Described as a grassroots worker by Congress leaders, Sharma’s dedication to public service is anticipated to resonate positively with voters.

Expressing gratitude for the Congress’s nomination, Sharma highlighted his four-decade-long commitment to Amethi. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra commended Sharma’s dedication to serving the people of Amethi and Raebareli, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed in the upcoming election.

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However, Sharma faces a formidable opponent in Union Minister Smriti Irani, who emerged victorious against Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 election. Irani has been actively campaigning in the constituency and enjoys an early advantage due to the BJP’s prompt announcement of her candidacy. Irani criticized Gandhi for “conceding defeat before the polls,” emphasizing her own hard work and commitment to Amethi.