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Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is slated to officially enter the Rajya Sabha by filing her nomination papers from Rajasthan in the upcoming Upper House polls. This move is seen as a strategic decision, emphasizing the Congress party’s commitment to the Hindi-heartland, indicating continuity in its regional representation.
Sonia Gandhi, who previously represented Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha, has decided not to contest the upcoming general elections. After serving as a five-term Lok Sabha MP since 1999, she aims to make her debut in the Rajya Sabha.
With just two months left before the Lok Sabha elections, Sonia Gandhi will file her nomination papers in Jaipur on February 23. Accompanying her will be party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, along with her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The election for the Rajya Sabha seats, with 56 members from 15 states set to retire in April, is scheduled for February 27. The Congress is well-positioned to secure one of the three Rajasthan seats up for grabs.
Sonia Gandhi’s entry into the Rajya Sabha, following the completion of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s six-year tenure, signifies the continuation of the Gandhi family’s representation in the Upper House. This legacy traces back to her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Amid speculation about Sonia Gandhi’s successor in Rae Bareli, the potential candidacy of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remains undecided. While there is speculation about her contesting from Amethi, previously held by Rahul Gandhi, the party’s final decision is pending. The move to bring Sonia Gandhi to the Rajya Sabha and the eventual decisions on Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy hold significance in shaping the Congress party’s leadership landscape.
