In a surprising move, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have decided not to contest from their traditional strongholds in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Earlier rumors suggested Rahul might contest from Amethi and Priyanka from Raebareli, both considered strongholds for the Gandhi family. However, they’ve opted out of Uttar Pradesh altogether, causing a stir in political circles.
Rahul Gandhi Returns to Wayanad
Instead of Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi has chosen to contest from Wayanad, Kerala, a predominantly rural constituency known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. This decision has put Wayanad back in the national spotlight, with many speculating on its impact on Congress’s fortunes in Kerala. In the 2019 elections, Gandhi won Wayanad with an impressive margin of over four lakh votes. However, he faced a setback in Amethi, losing to BJP’s Smriti Irani.
Union Minister Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in the previous elections, launched a scathing attack on him earlier this month. Irani accused Gandhi of neglecting Amethi’s development during his family’s tenure in power. She emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in developing Amethi and claimed significant changes in the region under BJP rule. Irani’s remarks highlight the contentious political atmosphere surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s tenure in Amethi.
The decision of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi not to contest from Uttar Pradesh marks a strategic shift in Congress’s election strategy. By opting for Wayanad over their traditional bastions, they aim to consolidate support in Kerala while avoiding potentially difficult contests in Uttar Pradesh. However, this move could also be seen as conceding ground in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, where Congress has struggled in recent years.
With Rahul Gandhi returning to Wayanad and Priyanka Gandhi staying out of the electoral fray in Uttar Pradesh, the dynamics of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections have taken an unexpected turn. The choice to contest from Wayanad reflects Congress’s efforts to shore up support in Kerala, while also sparking debates about the party’s prospects in Uttar Pradesh. As the election campaign heats up, the political implications of these decisions will continue to unfold.
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