The Congress made a last-minute decision, announced after midnight, regarding Amethi and Raebareli, which included a major twist. Rahul Gandhi, who was anticipated to aggressively contest to reclaim Amethi, has been declared as the party candidate for Raebareli, the constituency recently vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi upon her move to the Rajya Sabha.
In Amethi, the traditional family stronghold that shifted allegiance to the BJP five years ago, the Congress has chosen KL Sharma, a long-time loyalist of the Gandhi family, as its representative. Despite efforts, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declined to contest from Raebareli, a constituency she had nurtured on her mother’s behalf for over a decade.
Both candidates will submit their nomination papers today, which marks the final day for nominations for the fifth phase of elections scheduled for May 20.
The Congress announced its decision on Friday after weeks of suspense.
Concerns arise that Rahul Gandhi’s seat change could benefit the BJP, especially considering Union minister Smriti Irani’s victory in Amethi in 2019. The senior BJP leader is prepared to defend her seat and has stated that the delay by Congress was due to their reluctance, anticipating her victory.
(This is a developing story)