In the midst of Lok Sabha elections, Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of the Gandhi family, has expressed his displeasure with veteran Congress leaders leaving the party, accusing them of chasing after power and positions. He has shown his confidence in the party's robust fight in the Lok Sabha elections.
During a conversation with news agency ANI, Robert Vadra stated that it is incorrect to say that there is no trust in the Congress. He has met with individuals possessing experience. Currently, such senior leaders feel the need for power, tickets, or seats but are not trying to achieve them through effort. If one's identity is based on being a minister, they must not get disturbed if it doesn't happen.
'We don't get upset over leaders leaving the party'
Vadra further stated that there is a legacy, Congress has given them a lot, done a lot for them and their families. If they have been with Congress through generations, they should have a little patience, even if they face difficulties or it takes a long time to return to power. Power is not everything. We don't hold a grudge; instead, we wish them well for their future. But people will see and realize that for them, the ideology of a particular party doesn't matter, rather they go where power or position is available. For them, it's only the position that matters.
Vadra's take on alleged turncoats: 'Time will change and the leaders who left will return'
In fact, Vadra was responding to a question about why prominent faces like international boxer Vijender Singh, Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Gaurav Vallabh recently left the Congress. He said that some leaders quit the party when they don't receive a ticket to contest the election. Vadra mentioned they don't contemplate what Congress has done for them. They feel the need to have a post and identity, hence they depart when they don't get a ticket or are offered a position by another party. We have witnessed leaders come and go over the years. When the time changes, you'll see that many will come back. Nonetheless, the Congress party, India Block, and the Gandhi family will continue to raise their voice, fight for the people... I am convinced that we will be able to put up a good fight. We will work hard for the people, and those seeking change will support us. We will discuss women's safety, unemployment, and development.
Offers from other parties also'
Robert Vadra has also expressed his desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections. He said that he meets with MPs from other political parties who extend offers to join their parties, assuring him that they will ensure his victory in the elections. Vadra also stated that if he considers becoming a Member of Parliament himself, the people of Amethi expect him to represent their seat.
'I want Priyanka to become an MP first'
Vadra added that he wants his wife Priyanka Gandhi (Congress General Secretary) to become an MP first. He always desires Priyanka to enter the Parliament before he does. He believes he should become an MP based on his hard work and with the blessings of Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party.
'People ask why it's taking so long?'
He elaborated, saying that he has been meeting people for such a long time, and MPs from other parties also lovingly discuss with him, urging him to join their party and wondering why it's taking him so long. They assure him that they will ensure a significant victory.
'I will enter politics at the right time.'
Vadra suggested that he will join active politics at the right time. Offers and pressures are there, and he intends to work more and spend time among the people before entering politics definitely at an opportune moment.
'People in Amethi say electing Smriti was a mistake'
Vadra criticized BJP MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani, stating that she is not always available for her seat in Amethi and that people feel they made a mistake in electing her. It should be noted that Smriti Irani defeated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Amethi constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which was considered one of the biggest upsets of the general election.
'Congress central leadership will decide on Amethi-Rae Bareli'
Vadra mentioned that the Gandhi family has worked hard in Amethi and the surrounding areas. They wish for a member of the Gandhi family to return and win by a large margin. They also expect that if he starts his political journey, he should represent Amethi. However, he clarified that the decision for Amethi and Rae Bareli would be made by the Congress leadership, and it's not certain whether he or Priyanka Gandhi will contest from there.
'We campaigned in Amethi with Priyanka'
Vadra recalled that he campaigned for Congress in Amethi with Priyanka Gandhi during the 1999 Lok Sabha elections. The political climate was different then; there was an attempt to instill fear among people. They would visit sensitive areas at night, put up posters, distribute bags, and work around the clock to motivate their activists and stakeholders. The people know the amount of effort they have put in and the brotherhood and love that has existed and still exists.
'I receive continuous well wishes from people'
He said that people with whom he has worked, send messages through his office, outside his home, and via social media. They celebrate his birthday by cutting cakes, arranging langar or other services for people. He appreciates the love and fraternity and continues to do his utmost for the disabled and visually impaired children, devoting all his money to charity. He embarks on pilgrimages, and they celebrate his birthday and festivals in his name, spreading joy among the people.
'Gandhi family member should contest Amethi-Rae Bareli elections'
It's noted that Congress is yet to declare its candidates for the Amethi and Rae Bareli seats. In Uttar Pradesh, Congress is contesting the Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Rahul Gandhi, who won the last Lok Sabha election from Wayanad in Kerala, is contesting from the same seat again. The Uttar Pradesh Congress Election Committee also passed a resolution last month suggesting that members of the Gandhi family should contest from the Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies.
'BSP will field candidates in Amethi-Rae Bareli, BSP's direct challenge to Congress'
Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi has represented Rae Bareli since 2004. She has been elected to the Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha elections will take place in seven phases from 19th April to 1st June.
