Is a four-decade-old political family feud drawing to a close in this election season? The spotlight is on Varun Gandhi, who has been publicly extended an invitation to join the Congress by the party. Once his BJP ticket from Pilibhit got cut, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury remarked that Varun is paying the price for being a Gandhi. Questions arise: Will Varun Gandhi, who has consistently cornered his own party and government, switch to Congress?
Indeed, after BJP replaced Varun Gandhi with Jitin Prasada as their candidate from Pilibhit, speculation about Varun's political future intensified. The sharp stance he took against his party charted his current trajectory. He is a BJP MP from Pilibhit and the Congress's overture has heated the political milieu of Uttar Pradesh. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's invitation to Varun to join Congress signifies a pivotal moment.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has made an intriguing offer to Varun Gandhi to join Congress. 'We would be pleased if Varun Gandhi joins Congress. He is an influential and very capable leader,' he stated, adding that BJP's denial of a ticket signifies their view of his Gandhi lineage. There's a strong sentiment that he should embrace Congress now.
Varun Gandhi’s Parliamentary Journey Began in 2009
Varun Gandhi was inducted into the BJP in 2004, becoming an MP for the first time in 2009. In 2013, he was appointed as the BJP's National General Secretary, and in the same year, he was tasked with overseeing the party's efforts in West Bengal. During this period, Varun Gandhi was a prominent name among UP’s BJP leaders and was even considered a contender for the Chief Minister’s position. However, his candid rhetoric against the party and government has weakened his stance within the BJP over the past decade.
Is Varun Gandhi Disenchanted with BJP?
Varun Gandhi's statements have raised questions about his disillusionment with the BJP. His alignment with Rahul Gandhi on critical issues further fuels speculation about a potential political alliance. 'I'm neither against Pandit Nehru nor Congress,' Varun stated. 'Our politics should unite people, not exploit religion for votes. Strong politics lifts people up, and we won't allow divisive tactics.'
The ensuing conjecture revolves around whether Varun, echoing Rahul Gandhi's sentiments, intends to rebel against BJP. Is Varun Gandhi poised to join Congress? If so, his inclusion could solve the party's search for a dynamic leader in Uttar Pradesh and bolster its position. Yet, it remains to be seen whether Congress, and specifically Rahul Gandhi, will welcome Varun into their fold.
Varun Gandhi Purchased Four Sets of Nomination Papers
The unity of the two prominent Gandhi family members raises another important question: will their political parties also unify? The focus also lies on the seat of Pilibhit. Varun, through an aide, had obtained four sets of nomination papers not long ago, instructing supporters to be ready across villages. But following BJP's official candidate announcement favoring Jitin Prasada, Varun has maintained silence.
Pressure from BJP on Varun?
Unofficially, Varun has indicated to confidants he feels deceived, hinting he won't contest elections. BJP, at the last minute, exerted pressure that seemingly left Varun with little choice but to desist. To complicate matters, BJP confirmed his mother, Maneka Gandhi, as their Sultanpur candidate in the same list, cutting Varun's ticket entirely.
Elections in Pilibhit are in the first phase, while Sultanpur votes in the fourth phase. If Varun were to stand as an independent, it could adversely affect Maneka Gandhi's campaign. BJP wouldn't take such a scenario lightly. By managing this transition smoothly, they've avoided a significant political upheaval, yet rumors persist of Samajwadi Party's support for Varun Gandhi.
