Amethi: Smriti Irani, Union Minister and the local MP, asserted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi plans to visit Amethi after April 26 to exploit caste divisions and engage in temple visits one after another. Addressing roadside gatherings during her election campaign in the Bhetua and Bhadar regions, Irani stated that following the voting in Wayanad on April 26, Rahul Gandhi would return to remind everyone of his familial ties to Amethi and stoke the flames of casteism in society.
She further mentioned that despite Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party declining an invitation to Lord Shri Ram’s consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, they are anticipated to be seen visiting temples in Amethi. Consequently, Irani stressed the need for extreme caution and vigilance.
In a significant blow to the Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Irani wrested the Amethi seat from Rahul Gandhi, who had held it for 15 years. While the Congress has yet to finalize its candidate for the seat, local party activists are eager for Rahul Gandhi to contest again.
The Union Minister also criticized Rahul Gandhi for neglecting Amethi’s issues during his tenure as an MP, alleging that despite spending 10 years with the UPA in power at the Centre and with UP under his ally (SP), villagers in Amethi were deprived of basic amenities like drinking water.
Irani alleged that people in Amethi only began receiving drinking water delivered to their homes after Narendra Modi assumed office. This marks the sixth day of Irani’s campaign in Amethi as she seeks re-election on a BJP ticket for a second term.
