In New Delhi, the Congress is poised to put an end to the anticipation surrounding its Lok Sabha candidates for the significant constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. According to party leader Jairam Ramesh, the Central Election Committee (CEC) has entrusted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with the authority to make a decision, which will be disclosed within the next 24 hours.
Asserting that there is no fear or avoidance, Ramesh emphasized the party’s commitment to resolve the matter promptly. The Congress had deliberately withheld naming candidates for Amethi and Raebareli in its recent list of nominees for the Lok Sabha elections, sparking protests among party workers in Amethi.
Amidst chants of “Amethi demands the Gandhi family,” demonstrators gathered outside the party office to voice their discontent over the delay in the announcement. Speculation abounds regarding the potential candidacy of former president Rahul Gandhi for Amethi, following his unexpected defeat to BJP’s Smriti Irani in 2019. There are also discussions about Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Raebareli, a seat held by Sonia Gandhi since 2004.
Regarding the speculation surrounding the Gandhi family’s involvement, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla reiterated that the decision rests with the CEC. He highlighted the enduring popularity of the Gandhi family and the massive turnouts at their public gatherings, indicating the significance of their electoral presence.
Elections for both seats are scheduled for May 20, during the fifth phase. In UP, the Congress plans to contest 17 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, while the remaining 63 seats will be contested by allies like the Samajwadi Party and regional outfits.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Smriti Irani has filed her nomination from Amethi, expressing confidence in securing a second consecutive term. When asked about her preference between Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as opponents, she responded with unwavering confidence, stating, “I could not care less. Whoever comes will lose.”
