Menaka Gandhi, BJP's candidate from Sultanpur, received a grand welcome from party workers using garlands and music on her first 10-day tour of her constituency. Inquired about her son, BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who has been denied a ticket from Pilibhit, the media grilled her for answers.
'Let's see after the elections, there's still plenty of time,'
When asked about her thoughts on Varun Gandhi's ticket being cut from Pilibhit, Menaka Gandhi responded, 'Ask him that, we will see after the elections, there's plenty of time left.' Further queries on whether Varun would be joining her were met with 'Varun and his wife both are down with viral fever, and my mother-in-law has recently suffered a heart attack, so we are dealing with ailments at home.'
'Can I not manage my campaign?' she replied with a laugh when asked if Varun would take the helm of her election efforts. Suggesting, 'This time, the party will manage.'
Is Congress fearing BJP in Amethi and Raebareli?
Regarding statements by Congress leaders about the Gandhi family uniting, Menaka chose not to comment. When pressed if Congress's delay in announcing candidates for Amethi and Raebareli indicated fear of the BJP, she advised, 'Ask the Congress members. I'm with BJP, I can't say.'
Jitin Prasada steps in for Varun Gandhi
This electoral season, BJP has awarded the Pilibhit ticket to Jitin Prasada instead of Varun Gandhi. Rumors floated about the possibility of Varun contesting as an independent candidate. Addressing a rally post-Jitin's nomination filing, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary hinted at an offer to Varun Gandhi, suggesting a switch to Congress might be beneficial. Chaudhary expressed confidence in Varun's leadership, stating the party will soon assign him a significant role.
