Rahul Gandhi’s Candidacy Raises Questions and Congress Faces Dilemma
In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has made a surprising move by announcing Rahul Gandhi as its candidate for Raebareli. A seat recently vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi. This decision comes after weeks of speculation, with many expecting Rahul Gandhi to focus on reclaiming Amethi. A traditional family stronghold that the BJP seized in 2019.
Kishori Lal Sharma, a longtime loyalist of the Gandhi family, has been chosen to represent Congress in Amethi. Rahul Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who had been instrumental in managing Raebareli for over a decade. On behalf of their mother, chose not to contest in these elections, adding to the intrigue.
The announcement arrived at the last moment, with both candidates set to file their nominations. On the final day for the fifth phase of elections, scheduled for May 20. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi joined Kishori Lal Sharma in Amethi as he filed his papers. Rahul Gandhi was also set to hold a roadshow in Raebareli before submitting his nomination.
In response to the party’s candidate announcements, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra praised Kishori Lal Sharma’s dedication and loyalty. Expressing confidence in his ability to win the election for Congress in Amethi. She noted the long-standing relationship between her family and Kishori Lal Sharma, underscoring his commitment to public service.
Rahul Gandhi’s Candidacy Raises Questions and Congress Faces Dilemma
However, the move to shift Rahul Gandhi from Amethi to Raebareli has drawn criticism from the BJP. With Union Minister Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, calling it a sign of the Congress’s lack of confidence. In a recent interview, she stated that Congress’s delay in announcing its candidate reflected their apprehension about winning the seat.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s decision not to contest in these elections has also raised eyebrows within Congress, potentially affecting the party’s image. With 353 Lok Sabha seats still to be contested, and Congress fielding candidates in 330 of them. Any negative perceptions could impact the party’s prospects nationwide.
Sources suggest that Priyanka Gandhi’s reluctance to run for Raebareli might be linked to concerns about accusations of dynasty politics. With Sonia Gandhi already in the Rajya Sabha and Rahul Gandhi contesting from Kerala’s Wayanad. A win for Rahul Gandhi in both Raebareli and Wayanad could create a unique dilemma, as he would need to vacate one of the two seats, both with strong ties to the party.
While Raebareli represents a long-standing family bastion, Wayanad has also proven supportive of Congress, having elected Rahul Gandhi to the Lok Sabha in 2019 when he lost Amethi. For now, Congress must navigate this complex terrain, focusing on the immediate task at hand: winning the upcoming elections and building a cohesive strategy for the future.