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Amethi, Uttar Pradesh : Union Minister Smriti Irani, the incumbent Member of Parliament from Amethi, has thrown down the gauntlet to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, daring him to relinquish the Wayanad constituency in Kerala and instead contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the sole seat in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
In a direct challenge, Irani criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly neglecting Amethi after his defeat in the 2019 elections, accusing him of insulting the people by choosing to represent Wayanad in Kerala. Irani asserted, “Amethi’s former MP insulted the people of Amethi in Wayanad. Amethi was distressed due to this. Ram Lalla’s invitation was rejected by him and his family. Amethi is distressed due to this also. I dare him (Rahul) to contest from Amethi alone in the Lok Sabha elections.”
Irani’s taunt came as both leaders were present in the Amethi parliamentary constituency, where in the 2019 elections, Irani secured victory over Rahul Gandhi.
Smriti Irani took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s recent Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Amethi, claiming that upon his arrival, he was welcomed by deserted streets. She remarked, “Rahul Gandhi considered Amethi as the centre of power but did not provide service, that is why he was welcomed by the deserted streets of Amethi. Congress workers who welcomed Rahul Gandhi did not participate in his yatra due to which the Congress had to call workers from Sultanpur and Pratapgarh.”
Irani also highlighted the development initiatives in Amethi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing an investment of Rs 6,253 crore and the establishment of various projects, including the largest Coca-Cola factory in South Asia.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi used his yatra to criticize the BJP-led central government, accusing it of being against Dalits. He specifically pointed to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya and claimed that President Droupadi Murmu, belonging to the tribal community, was not invited to the event.
Gandhi remarked, “Did you see the Ram Mandir event? It was held with great fanfare. But did you see any Dalit faces? Our President is an Adivasi, so she wasn’t allowed to attend the event. Did you see any farmer or laborer during the event? No backward class faces were anywhere seen during the event.”
Amethi, a historical stronghold for the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh since 1967, has witnessed the rise and fall of political dynasties. From Sanjay Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi and eventually Rahul Gandhi, the constituency has played a pivotal role in Indian politics. However, the 2019 elections saw a significant shift as Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi, ending the Congress’s long-standing dominance in the region.
