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Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge are in a meeting to finalize candidates for Amethi and Raebareli, with the nomination deadline looming on Friday. Sources reveal that Mr. Kharge has been tasked with selecting a candidate. The decision, critical for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, is being deliberated in Karnataka, where Mr. Gandhi is currently campaigning.
While Mr. Gandhi is expected to contest from one seat, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remains resolute in her decision not to run, despite mounting pressure. Speculation had been rife that she would step into her mother’s shoes in Raebareli.
With time running out, Congress workers in Amethi have resorted to protests, urging for a member of the Gandhi family as a candidate.
Elections for both seats are scheduled for May 20, during the fifth phase.
There are indications that Rahul Gandhi may not be keen on contesting from Amethi, as winning would require him to vacate his Kerala seat, which he secured in 2019.
Sources suggest that Ms. Gandhi Vadra’s hesitation stems from concerns over reinforcing BJP accusations of dynasty politics, as her victory in Raebareli would join all three Gandhi family members in parliament. Sonia Gandhi, who previously represented Raebareli, has transitioned to the Rajya Sabha.
The Congress views the decision on these two crucial seats as pivotal, as it is expected to set the tone for the remaining elections. The party is contesting on 330 seats out of 353 remaining seats across five phases, with some seats conceded to allies as part of a united opposition front. This marks the lowest number of seats contested by the Congress since Independence.
