The Congress' strategic delay in announcing potential candidates for Rae Bareli and Amethi has become a political enigma, prompting speculation among leaders and commentators. The resolution of this suspense promises to unveil a surprise for observers.
Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge hinted at this intrigue, suggesting that Rae Bareli and Amethi may hold surprises in store during an interview with a news channel. When pressed about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's potential candidacy in the 2024 polls for these Congress bastions, historically represented by Rahul Gandhi until his loss to Union Minister Smriti Irani in 2019, Kharge teased the possibility of unexpected developments.
As the nomination deadline looms on May 3, Sonia Gandhi, the lone Congress MP from Uttar Pradesh in 2019, has opted for the Rajya Sabha route from Rajasthan. In her letter to Rae Bareli residents dated February 14, 2024, Sonia Gandhi cited advancing age and health concerns for her decision not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. She expressed confidence in the community's support for her family during challenging times, hinting at the potential candidacy of another Gandhi family member.
Rae Bareli District Congress Committee President Pankaj Tiwari interpreted Sonia's appeal as a strong indicator of a Gandhi family member's candidacy. Tiwari asserted that Priyanka Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi would likely contest from the seat.
Similarly, former Amethi MLC Deepak Singh echoed Tiwari's sentiments, expressing certainty that either Rahul or Priyanka Gandhi would vie for the Amethi seat.
Amidst the swirling conjecture, Congress leaders suggest that clarity on the suspense is imminent within the next day or two. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has nominated Union Minister Smriti Irani from Amethi once more, closely monitors Congress' moves. The BJP is poised to finalize its candidate selection for Rae Bareli following Congress' decision.
As Rae Bareli and Amethi gear up for the fifth phase of polling, the unfolding political drama surrounding Congress' candidate selection adds an extra layer of anticipation to the electoral landscape.
