Union Minister Smriti Irani is scheduled to embark on a four-day visit to her parliamentary constituency of Amethi, beginning today, amidst the backdrop of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra making its way into the town. This convergence of political heavyweights in the electoral battleground that was once the stronghold of the Gandhi family marks a significant moment.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani dethroned Rahul Gandhi, ending his 15-year reign in Amethi. Since then, their visits to Amethi have seldom overlapped, with the last instance occurring in February 2022 during separate campaign events leading up to the assembly elections.
Representing Ms. Irani, Vijay Gupta disclosed that the Union Minister’s visit would span four days. During this time, she aims to engage with residents in various villages, reaffirming her commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of her constituents. The visit will culminate with Irani’s housewarming ceremony on February 22, fulfilling a promise made to the electorate before her victory.
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Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is set to be in Amethi as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, arriving today. The Congress leader has planned a roadshow and a public meeting in the town to connect with the people and garner support for the party’s initiatives.
While speculation about a potential face-off between Mr. Gandhi and Ms. Irani is rife, officials familiar with their schedules suggest that such an encounter is unlikely. Both leaders have packed itineraries, and their paths are expected to cross only symbolically during this visit.
In a statement, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the significance of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which traverses 6,700 km through 15 states, aiming to highlight the message of “nyay” (justice) while engaging with common people.
As Amethi remains a focal point in Indian politics, it is poised to witness yet another intense contest between Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
