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LoP Rahul Gandhi Leaves for Rae Bareli to Meet Dalit Youth Family

August 20, 2024, 10:27 am

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be on a day’s visit to Rae Bareli to meet the family of Dalit boy, Arjun Pasi, who was shot dead recently.

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday morning first attended the programme at Veer Bhoomi here on the birth anniversary of his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

After paying floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi left for Rae Bareli, his Parliamentary constituency.

According to party leaders, Rahul Gandhi will be meeting the family members of the Dalit youth who was shot dead.

The party leaders further said after his arrival at the Fursatganj Airport at 10.45 am on Tuesday, the Congress leader would head straight to the Dalit family.

He is expected to go to Pichwariya village of the Nasirabad police station area under Salon assembly segment in Amethi Lok Sabha constituency.

The family of the Dalit youth is angry over the fact that the police have not been able to arrest the main accused in the case.

The LoP will then return to the national capital and also meet the visiting Malayasian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim who arrive in New Delhi last night on a three day visit to India.

Watch: Bull Causes Chaos By Climbing Police Outpost Roof In Rae Bareli

July 11, 2024, 1:46 pm

A bull in Rae Bareli district of Uttar Pradesh climbed the roof of a police outpost, rested there for hours, and spread panic. Pictures and videos went viral minutes after they were shared on social media.

Photos show the bull standing on the roof, while videos capture it resting atop the police outpost in Suchi, under the jurisdiction of Salon Police Station in Rae Bareli.

Watch the Bull on the Police Post in UP

रायबरेली — आवारा सांड चढ़ा पुलिस चौकी की छत पर

चौकी में तैनात पुलिस कर्मियों में मचा हड़कंप

वीडियो व फ़ोटो सोशल मीडिया पर हुआ वायरल

सलोन कोतवाली क्षेत्र के सूची चौकी का मामला #Raebareli #viral pic.twitter.com/YD1qeFEzoB

— RahulPathak1989 (@Chupachehra1989) July 10, 2024

The cops were earlier oblivious to the fact that the bull was sitting on the roof, Jagran.com reported. When locals spotted the bull, they gathered outside the police station and alerted the cops. The police acted after getting an idea about the presence of the bull.

In a bid to rescue the bull, officials went near it with batons. Scared, the bulljumped off the outpost roof and fell on to the tin shed of Gram Pradhan Jamurwa Buzurg’s house next door. It suffered serious injuries.

How the bull reached the police station roof is not known.

Early this year, in January, a bull sauntered into the State Bank of India at Unnao in Uttar Pradesh and sat patiently in one corner. The visual caused a commotion, till a security guard escorted the bovine out. The video went viral and got many reactions. One comment wittily pointed out, “Even they can’t handle bull in lunch break. “They insist on their policy,” while another user on X posted, “No special treatment for anyone,” with laughing emoticons.

Rahul to retain Rae Bareli

June 18, 2024, 12:42 am

Priyanka to debut from Wayanad.

Ending the days of speculation which Parliament constituency Rahul Gandhi will retain, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday announced that he will retain the family pocket borough of Rae Bareli while his sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will make her poll debut from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.

The decision was taken at a meeting at the residence of Kharge, where Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and party general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal was also present.

The meeting lasted for over one and half hours.

Addressing the media, Kharge said: “Our leader Rahul Gandhi was elected from two seats. As per the law, he has to vacate one seat, and on one seat he can continue because of the last date.”

“We have decided that Rahul Gandhi should keep the Rae Bareli seat because Rae Bareli has a very strong connection with the family. The people of Rae Bareli and for the party he should retain the Rae Bareli seat,” Kharge remarked while announcing the importance of Rae Bareli seat, from which Sonia Gandhi was elected for four consecutive terms from 2004 to 2019.

Kharge further said that Rahul Gandhi also won from Wayanad.
“The people from Wayand want him to retain the seat, however, as per law he can retain only one seat. After thinking carefully we have decided that Priyanka Gandhi should contest from there (Wayanad), and I want to thank both of them, they have agreed. I am declaring,” Kharge said.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi while commenting on the decision, said: “I have an emotional relationship with both Rae Bareli and the people of Wayand.”

Recalling his association with Wayanad as its MP, the Congress leader said, “In the last five years as the MP of Wayand has been a very enjoyable experience. The people of Wayand stood with me. The people of Wayand gave me love and affection, every single person regardless of party, they gave me energy to fight in a very difficult time. So, I will never forget that.”

Rahul Gandhi said, “I want everyone in Wayanad to know that Priyanka is going to fight the election in Wayanad. But I am going to be a frequent visitor to Wayanad. I am going to be available to the people of Wayand and the commitments that I have made, we will stand by them and try to deliver all those commitments. My doors are open for you all throughout the rest of my life.”

He also said that his sister is going to fight the election and “I am confident that she is going to win the election”.

“She (Priyanka Gandhi) will be a very good representative for the people of Wayanad,” he added

Even Priyanka Gandhi expressed her happiness and said, “I am very happy to contest from Wayanad. I won’t let them feel his absence. I will work hard and try my best to make everybody happy and to be a good representative. I am not nervous at all.”

She also said that for her the people of Rae Bareli and Wayanad are important and she along with her brother will fulfill the promises that have been made.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won the seat of Rae Bareli by defeating BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh by a margin of 3,90,030 votes. Rahul Gandhi had contested this seat aiming to save the lone bastion of the party in the state after he lost Amethi in 2019.

The Congress leader also won the seat of Wayanad, which paved his entry to the Lok Sabha in 2019. He defeated Communist Party of India- Marxist candidate Annie Raja by a margin of 3,64,422 votes.

“Emotional Connection, Tough to Leave Wayanad Seat”: Rahul Gandhi Keeps Rae Bareli Seat

June 17, 2024, 11:36 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep connection with both Wayanad and Rae Bareli constituencies as he addressed the media regarding the decision for upcoming elections. He shared that while he has cherished his time representing Wayanad for the past five years, leaving the constituency was a tough choice. Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Wayanad that his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who will now contest from Wayanad, will continue their commitments and that he will remain a frequent visitor.

“I have an emotional connection with both Wayanad and Rae Bareli. Being an MP from Wayanad for the last five years has been fantastic and enjoyable,” Rahul Gandhi said. “I thank the people of Wayanad for their love and support, which gave me strength during difficult times.”

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressing her readiness to take on the new responsibility, vowed to ensure that Wayanad continues to receive effective representation. “I am very happy to represent Wayanad, and I promise to work hard to fulfill the expectations of the people,” she affirmed. She also emphasized her ongoing commitment to Rae Bareli and Amethi.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed that Rahul Gandhi will retain his Rae Bareli seat while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from Wayanad. This decision was made after extensive consultations within the party leadership, including Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders.

While the Congress party expressed confidence in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s electoral prospects in Wayanad, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticized the move as dynastic imposition on the voters of Wayanad.

Rahul Gandhi, who won both Rae Bareli and Wayanad seats in the elections, emphasized his commitment to serve the people of both constituencies despite the logistical challenges posed by holding dual seats.

Gandhi Family To Address ‘Aabhaar Sabha’ In Rae Bareli Today

June 10, 2024, 10:48 pm

Senior Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi is set to address an “Aabhaar Sabha” (thanksgiving meeting) for party workers from Rae Bareli and Amethi in Rae Bareli on Tuesday. The meeting will also feature addresses from Sonia Gandhi, All India Congress Committee General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, and Amethi MP KL Sharma.

This event marks the first such meeting in Uttar Pradesh for the Congress party following the declaration of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll results. The party has planned a series of thanksgiving public meetings and yatras across all 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state from June 11 to 15 to express gratitude to voters who supported the Congress-SP alliance candidates in the elections.

The INDIA bloc secured 43 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, with Congress winning six seats and the Samajwadi Party (SP) obtaining 37. Rahul Gandhi emerged victorious in the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat, defeating UP minister and BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh by a margin of 3,90,030 votes. Meanwhile, KL Sharma reclaimed Amethi from Union minister Smriti Irani, winning by 1,67,196 votes. Amethi, traditionally a stronghold of the Nehru-Gandhi family, was lost in the 2019 elections when Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi by about 55,000 votes.

Amid ongoing speculations, there is uncertainty over whether Rahul Gandhi will retain the Rae Bareli or the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. Congress workers are keenly awaiting his decision, which must be made within 15 days from the date of his election to both seats.

District Congress Committee president of Rae Bareli, Pankaj Tiwari, expressed the local sentiment: “We want Rahul Gandhi to retain the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat. However, it is up to him to decide. If he chooses to retain Wayanad, we hope a member of the Gandhi family will be fielded from Rae Bareli.”

This anticipation underscores the strategic importance of both constituencies and the significant influence of the Gandhi family within the Congress party.

Rai Bareli Lok Sabha Election Result 2024 Update: BJP Candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh Accepts defeat Against Rahul Gandhi

June 4, 2024, 1:17 pm

BJP Candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh, accepted defeat after trailing by 1,50,000 votes, expressed his regrets to the residents of Rae Bareli. In the latest electoral trends, Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party, is exhibiting a formidable performance in the Raebareli constituency, maintaining the stronghold traditionally associated with the Gandhi family.

Dinesh Pratap Singh conveyed his apologies on facebook, affirming his dedication and integrity in serving his constituency. He acknowledged any inadvertent mistakes during his tenure and expressed regret if anyone had been hurt. Grateful for the support of his well-wishers throughout the election campaign, he emphasized the unpredictability of electoral outcomes, stating that people’s choices are akin to divine will. Regardless of victory or defeat, he assured the residents of Rai Bareli of his unwavering commitment, urging them to maintain faith in him. He affirmed his continual presence for their welfare, irrespective of electoral results.

Dinesh Pratap Singh, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has left a mark through his involvement in both regional and national spheres. Known for his astute political maneuvers, Singh has traversed party lines, initially affiliating with the Indian National Congress (INC) before making a significant move to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, a state pivotal in Indian politics, Singh has played crucial roles in its political landscape, contesting elections for both the Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. His switch from the INC to the BJP underscored the shifting dynamics in Uttar Pradesh’s political arena, emphasizing the strategic importance of his decisions. Being from the Thakur community, an influential group in Uttar Pradesh, Singh’s actions often reflect the interests of his community. He has been instrumental in various developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, education, and healthcare in his constituency. Dinesh Pratap Singh’s continued prominence signifies his enduring impact on Uttar Pradesh politics and beyond.

During the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, Rae Bareli conducted its voting process in Phase 5 on May 20, witnessing a political contest among new contenders vying for the Lok Sabha seats. Sonia Gandhi, the incumbent Member of Parliament from Congress, opted out of the Lok Sabha elections after securing a position in the Rajya Sabha.

Nevertheless, seeking to leverage the historical legacy of the Gandhi family in the constituency, Rahul Gandhi has been nominated as the candidate for the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, competing against Dinesh Pratap Singh of the BJP and Thakur Prasad Yadav of the BSP for the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat.

In the preceding Lok Sabha elections of 2019, Sonia Gandhi, representing the INC, emerged victorious with a substantial margin of 1,67,178 votes, garnering a total of 5,34,918 votes, while Dinesh Pratap Singh of the BJP secured 3,67,740 votes.

Rahul Gandhi Visits Rae Bareli On Polling Day, visits Hanuman Temple

May 20, 2024, 1:55 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Rae Bareli today, the constituency where he is contesting, and offered prayers at the Peepaleshwar Hanuman Temple. Gandhi is also running for reelection from Wayanad in Kerala, where he is the sitting MP. Earlier in the day, the former Congress Chief arrived at Lucknow airport from the National Capital and traveled to Rae Bareli by road.

Rae Bareli is holding its vote today to elect its representative. Rahul Gandhi inspected several polling booths and interacted with voters who had cast their ballots. He is contesting from Rae Bareli, a seat previously held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for five terms before she moved to the Rajya Sabha this year.

Today’s polling in Uttar Pradesh includes 13 Lok Sabha seats: Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, and Gonda. Rahul Gandhi is also seeking reelection from Wayanad in Kerala.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi posted on X about the significant changes he believes are occurring across the country. “The people of India are fighting this election together and a storm of change is sweeping across the country. I am appealing to the entire country, including Amethi and Rae Bareli – come out in large numbers and vote for the prosperity of your families, for your rights, for the progress of India,” he posted. He added, “It has become clear in the first four phases that the people have stood up to protect the Constitution and democracy and are defeating the BJP.”

Uttar Pradesh, contributing the highest number of seats to the Lok Sabha, is voting in all seven phases. The fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies spread over six states and two Union Territories (UTs) under tight security and arrangements.

The Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting scheduled for June 4. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term, while the opposition INDIA bloc aims to gain power by halting the BJP’s momentum.

Sonia joins poll campaign in Rae Bareli

May 18, 2024, 3:57 am

The Congress party is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to secure victory in Rae Bareli, with former president Sonia Gandhi making a significant appearance at an election rally, earnestly advocating for her son, Rahul Gandhi. This departure from her previous absence on the campaign trail marks a shift in strategy, as Sonia Gandhi, despite health concerns that prevented her from contesting the elections, delivered an emotional appeal to the public. Her heartfelt sentiments expressed a deep sense of belonging to the people, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her life.

Addressing the gatherings in Rae Bareli and Amethi, traditional strongholds of the Congress, Sonia Gandhi conveyed her gratitude for the blessings and encouragement received from the community. Referring to the audience as “brothers and sisters,” she entrusted Rahul Gandhi to their care, emphasizing the familial bond shared with the electorate. This display of confidence in Rahul’s commitment resonated with the crowd, emphasizing unity and collective responsibility.

To further bolster its campaign efforts, the Congress party made strategic alliances, organizing joint rallies with SP leader Akhilesh Yadav in Rae Bareli and Amethi for the first time. This decision underscores the party’s determination to maximize outreach in crucial constituencies. Rahul Gandhi’s support for Akhilesh Yadav further exemplifies the party’s revised strategy for these seats, reflecting their paramount importance.

Sonia Gandhi’s brief yet impactful speech carries significant weight, as it conveys the legacy of leadership from Indira Gandhi to Rahul, emphasizing the values of inclusivity and justice. Despite the absence of discussions on reservation and the Constitution, the focus remained on forging an emotional connection with the electorate, highlighting the personal rapport between the Gandhi family and the constituents. This strategic approach underscores the party’s concerted efforts to secure victory in Rae Bareli and Amethi, recognizing the implications of any potential loss in these constituencies for Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.

Why did Rahul Gandhi go to Rae Bareli?

May 7, 2024, 3:50 am

If Rahul Gandhi wins both Wayanad and Rae Bareli seats, which of the two will he retain?

In this election, no other leader’s constituency generated as much curiosity as that of Rahul Gandhi over where else he will contest polls from in addition to Wayanad. There were discussions regarding Amethi, where Rahul Gandhi faced defeat in the 2019 elections after representing the constituency as an MP for 15 years. The Gandhi family’s ties with Amethi are very old and strong. Sanjay Gandhi was elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi in 1980, followed by Rajiv Gandhi three times, Sonia Gandhi once and Rahul Gandhi thrice.

However, the reason why Rahul Gandhi chose not to contest from Amethi this time remains unclear. Perhaps his advisors advised him against it, fearing a potential defeat. In my opinion, he should have still contested from Amethi, for it is believed that he would have emerged victorious there as well.

Congress has fielded Kishori Lal Sharma, a confidant of the Gandhi family, from Amethi. While many expected Priyanka Gandhi to fight the elections from Amethi, she has declared that she would campaign for Kishori Lal Sharma. In my opinion, Priyanka’s presence in the fray would have increased the chances of victory. However, since she is not in the race, Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Rae Bareli, another traditional stronghold of the family, indicates his confidence in that constituency. The historical ties of the Gandhi-Nehru family with Rae Bareli run deep. In the first and second Lok Sabha elections of the country, Feroze Gandhi was elected to Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli. Indira Gandhi won the election from this constituency thrice. Sonia Gandhi has also been representing Raebareli for four consecutive terms since 2004.

Rahul Gandhi filed nomination papers with great fanfare in Rae Bareli. Quite naturally, everyone watches him closely. A BJP leader sarcastically told me that Rahul Gandhi was saying that ED had frozen Congress’ bank account and the party does not have money even to buy train tickets. So, how could he afford a plane in which he arrived along with staunch Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and K C Venugopal? Similarly, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra arrived on the second plane while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge arrived on the third plane. Then the BJP leader also reminded me that none of them was present in Amethi to file Kishori Lal Sharma’s nomination papers! The BJP is always ready to seize any opportunity that comes its way and obviously so. The BJP leaders even claimed that Rahul Gandhi had ‘fled’ from Wayanad fearing defeat. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that a formidable candidate has been fielded, making it difficult for Rahul Gandhi to secure a victory. However, reports suggest that Rahul Gandhi is set to win the Wayanad seat. Therefore, the pressing question is that if Rahul Gandhi wins both the seats, which one will he choose to retain? In my opinion, he will most likely retain Rae Bareli, the traditional stronghold of his family. He understands that without gaining a foothold in Uttar Pradesh, any aspiration of governing the nation would be futile.

In the realm of Indian politics today, Rahul Gandhi’s influence is undeniable. Despite not holding the post of party president, the Congress cannot function without him, and the same can be said for the ruling party BJP. Right from Prime Minister to other prominent leaders, nobody can complete his or her speech without mentioning Rahul Gandhi’s name.

Consistent efforts were made to brand him as ‘Pappu’. What I feel is if someone is so unworthy in your view, why do you mention his name time and again? Why not simply ignore him? However, it is impossible to ignore Rahul Gandhi. How can the contribution of Gandhi family in the freedom struggle, the nation building thereafter and the supreme sacrifices made by the family, be forgotten! L K Advani had once told me that we have political differences with the Congress but they are not our enemies, and we cannot ignore them completely.

Many people often comment on Rahul Gandhi’s attire and appearance too. They maintain that while Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were quite modern in their choices, both of them started wearing traditional khadi attire associated with the Congress party once they entered politics. Sonia Gandhi even began wearing sarees. From that point onwards, they were never seen in modern clothing. However, Rahul Gandhi stands out as being extremely modern in his fashion sense, embracing the attire of the youth. He has broken away from tradition, perhaps to maintain his own unique identity. However, I firmly believe that clothing plays a significant role in the realm of politics. Another aspect that is often mentioned is that Rahul Gandhi’s nature is such that his close associates like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada, Milind Deora, K P Singh left him. The question is whether they left because of Rahul’s nature or they were feeling insecure? Or was the system around Rahul Gandhi suffocating them?

Many leaders have parted ways with Congress. Sonia Gandhi is currently unwell. Notwithstanding this, Rahul and Priyanka are fighting even as they are pitted against the formidable BJP bolstered by Narendra Modi. Modi’s leadership is charismatic. The party has seasoned players like Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath in UP. Even before the Congress could aim, their arrow hits the target. Rahul possesses the determination to triumph in the struggle but he does not have a team of fighters. I have stated on multiple occasions that a strong team or contingent cannot be assembled unless Congress is revitalised. The Congress leaders who win the elections do so on the strength of their own abilities. It is imperative to revitalise and strengthen Congress, but at the moment, it is not an easy challenge to accept.

The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.

Priyanka at helm of Congress campaign in Rae Bareli, Amethi

May 7, 2024, 3:13 am

Rae Bareli and Amethi seats are two of the most significant seats for the Congress. The party is doing meticulous planning to turn the table ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in both these constituencies. Congress General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi shall be the main strategist. Yet, party’s veteran leaders have been called to take forward the party’s campaign.

After Rahul Gandhi’s decision not to contest the elections from Amethi, numerous questions have surfaced. Party leaders are rallying behind him, asserting that the outcomes will provide clarity on the correctness of the decision. The argument posits that Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma has been deeply involved in the area for four decades, with intimate knowledge of every household. However, the verdict will be revealed on 4 June.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Gehlot has been specifically allotted the task of overseeing Amethi, where Priyanka will dedicate the majority of her time. Additionally, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Baghel will be responsible for Rae Bareli. Both leaders bring considerable experience in Uttar Pradesh, with Baghel previously serving as an observer during assembly elections.

Gehlot, in his capacity as party general secretary, previously contested elections independently in Uttar Pradesh in 2007, rejuvenating party workers through his efforts.

Furthermore, he has previously led investigation committees.

In the past, all the strategy and planning of Congress has fallen flat and gone erroneous. Due to coalition politics, Congress was completely destroyed. In 2019, Congress even lost the election of Amethi. The only seat won was Rae Bareli, by Sonia Gandhi. In the 2022 assembly elections, Priyanka Gandhi did her own kind of politics. Tried many experiments. Gave tickets to 40 percent women. Took the responsibility of the elections herself, but the results were such that the vote percentage came down to three percent.

In Uttar Pradesh, Congress seems to have hit the bottom. For the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the party is once again focusing its efforts on Rae Bareli and Amethi. Winning both these seats would significantly boost the morale of party workers in Uttar Pradesh. It appears that Priyanka Gandhi has taken the responsibility for securing victory in both constituencies.

Considering their experience, Priyanka has enlisted the support of Gehlot and Baghel. Gehlot, renowned as a political strategist, holds considerable sway within the organization. Meanwhile, Baghel has matured into a seasoned politician. This election holds significant importance for both leaders, as a victory would elevate the party’s stature.

Priyanka Gandhi has intensified her efforts by personally visiting Amethi and engaging in extensive meetings with officials and workers, initiating an assertive strategy. Party stalwarts are expected to join the campaign soon.

However, the contest in Rae Bareli is anticipated to be challenging, with BJP candidate DP Singh maintaining a strong presence over the past decade.

In the previous election, Singh significantly narrowed Sonia Gandhi’s victory margin. Despite the setback, the BJP has kept him active in the region. Consequently, the challenge for Rahul Gandhi may not be straightforward. Although Sonia Gandhi’s presence in campaigning could garner sympathy for Rahul, Amethi presents an intriguing contest.

Priyanka and Gehlot’s strategy will be closely monitored, particularly as BJP candidate Smriti Irani has solidified her foothold in the constituency over the last decade.

“It’s not about family; we are competing against BJP”: Akhilesh Yadav on candidature of Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli

May 3, 2024, 10:35 pm

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav commended the nomination of his ally Rahul Gandhi in the INDIA bloc, emphasizing a departure from familial focus to a collective commitment to safeguarding the Constitution. He stressed the significance of upholding the principles laid down by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, asserting that the joint effort against the BJP aims to empower marginalized communities. Yadav coined the term “Pichda Dalit Adivasi” (PDA) to symbolize this alliance’s resolve to triumph over the BJP and form the government. In expressing his congratulations to Rahul Gandhi, Yadav underlined the unity within the opposition alliance.

Meanwhile, amidst speculation, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Raebareli, a traditional bastion of the Gandhi family, previously represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi in the outgoing Lok Sabha. There were earlier expectations of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidacy in either Amethi or Raebareli, both being crucial battlegrounds for the party in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi, the incumbent MP from Wayanad in Kerala, who faced defeat in Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, is now vying against BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh, a three-time MLC, in Raebareli. The Congress has nominated KL Sharma, a staunch loyalist of the Gandhi family, to contest against Smriti Irani in Amethi.

In a separate development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s choice of Rae Bareli over Amethi for the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting a retreat from the battlefield. He criticized Gandhi’s decision to contest from Wayanad after representing Amethi, and then choosing Raebareli when prompted to contest again from Amethi. Singh implied Gandhi’s actions as akin to abandoning the fight midway.

Voting for Amethi and Rae Bareli is scheduled for May 20 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, with the election results set to be announced on June 4.

Congress Likely To Announce Rahul And Priyanka’s Candidature

May 2, 2024, 8:44 am

The Congress’s candidates for the Amethi and Raebareli constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, which have long been seen as Nehru-Gandhi family strongholds, remain unclear as the deadline for Phase 5 nominations in the Lok Sabha elections draws near.

Rahul Gandhi, who is now running for Congress from Wayanad in Kerala, is reportedly planning to run from Amethi as well, a seat he lost to Union Minister Smriti Irani in 2019. Thursday is anticipated to be his official announcement, and nominations are due on Friday.

Amidst discussions among Congress leaders and its allies in the INDIA bloc, it’s proposed that Rahul contest Amethi while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra be nominated from Raebareli. The Samajwadi Party (SP), in talks with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, sees potential electoral gains with both Rahul and Priyanka entering the fray.

Kharge has reportedly expressed favor for Rahul and Priyanka’s candidature from Amethi and Raebareli, respectively, although both siblings seem hesitant. Nevertheless, Kharge insists at least one of them should contest.

In a recent party meeting, the Congress’ UP unit formally proposed members of the Gandhi family as candidates for Amethi and Raebareli, deferring the final decision to Kharge.

Despite expectations and preparations, the Congress is yet to issue an official statement regarding its nominees for these constituencies, once considered its bastions.

Jairam Ramesh, senior Congress leader, stated that the Central Election Committee (CEC) has entrusted Mallikarjun Kharge with the final decision on Amethi and Raebareli candidates, expecting an announcement within the next 24 to 30 hours.

In the ongoing seat-sharing deal with the SP, the Congress is contesting 17 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, having finalized candidates for all but Amethi and Raebareli.

The fifth phase of polling in Amethi is scheduled for May 20, with the nomination deadline set for May 3.

Rahul’s loss in Amethi, once a Congress stronghold, in 2019 to Irani was considered a significant setback. Previously, Rahul, his father Rajiv Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi had represented Amethi in the Lok Sabha. Currently, Rahul represents Wayanad, while Irani seeks re-election from Amethi.