The anticipation surrounding Congress candidates for the constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli has reached a fever pitch, as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been granted additional time to finalize their decisions.
Reports suggest that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge advocated for both siblings to contest during a meeting this evening, acknowledging their intimate understanding of the ground realities in these constituencies. The Gandhis are expected to convey their verdict to Kharge by tonight, as tomorrow marks the final day for nomination filings.
Sources quoted by the NDTV said Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly emphasised to Rahul Gandhi the potential negative repercussions of not contesting from Amethi and Raebareli, longstanding strongholds of the Gandhi family. This decision, if taken, could send unintended messages to party workers, the Opposition, the ruling coalition, and voters across Uttar Pradesh and the country at large, according to party sources.
The responsibility of candidate selection was delegated to Kharge by the party, following which he engaged in discussions with Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka. Sources indicate that Rahul Gandhi is inclined to make an effort to reclaim Amethi, which he lost to BJP’s Union Minister Smriti Irani in 2019, after representing the constituency for three consecutive terms.
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Contrary to expectations, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remains resolute in her decision not to contest, despite mounting pressure. Speculation was rife that she might succeed her mother in Raebareli, a constituency held by Sonia Gandhi since 2004, until Sonia recently transitioned to the Rajya Sabha this year.
The Congress has prolonged its decision-making process on the Amethi and Raebareli candidates for weeks, but the deadline is fast approaching. Two days ago, Congress supporters in Amethi resorted to protests, urging the nomination of a Gandhi family member. Both constituencies are slated for elections on May 20th, during the fifth phase of voting.
There are circulating reports that Rahul Gandhi might not be enthusiastic about contesting from Amethi, as winning would require him to vacate his current Kerala seat in the Lok Sabha, secured in the 2019 elections.
Party insiders suggest that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s reluctance to contest stems from concerns that her victory in Raebareli would seat all three Gandhi family members in Parliament simultaneously, potentially fuelling BJP accusations of dynasty politics.
Amidst these strategic considerations, the Congress Party’s participation in the elections has been scaled down to 330 seats out of 353 in the remaining phases, marking its most modest contestation since Independence. This reduction is attributed to the united front being presented by the Opposition, resulting in the concession of several seats to allies across various states.
