After intense suspense in the Lok Sabha elections for the Amethi and Raebareli seats, Congress has finally announced their candidates. However, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh has kept the speculations alive with a social media post hinting at Congress’s 'secret strategy', suggesting that Priyanka Gandhi might soon plunge into electoral politics. Notably, there has been speculation about Priyanka Gandhi's candidacy from Amethi or Raebareli ever since Sonia Gandhi opted for the Rajya Sabha instead of the Lok Sabha.
As soon as Congress candidates for Amethi-Raebareli were revealed today, these speculations seemed to be put to rest, but shortly after, Jairam Ramesh's tweet forced political pundits to reconsider the scenario. Ramesh tweeted that there are many opinions about Rahul Gandhi contesting from Raebareli. He added that Rahul, a seasoned player in politics and chess, makes thoughtful moves. He teased, 'Some chess moves are still remaining. Please wait.'
Candidates for Amethi and Raebareli announced
Previously, Congress announced Rahul Gandhi would run for the traditional Gandhi-Nehru family seat of Raebareli. Sonia Gandhi has typically represented this seat while Rahul has contended from Amethi. This time, however, the party has shown confidence in Kishori Lal Sharma for Amethi. Congress has cited that the decision-making delay was due to leadership's contemplation and deliberation. Another reason is believed to be the coalition with the Samajwadi Party within the INDIA block.
The partnership between Congress and SP has materialized in Uttar Pradesh as part of the INDIA block, with Congress securing 16 seats out of the state's total of 80. Senior journalist Rashid Kidwai notes that SP's president Akhilesh Yadav demanded that at least one member of the Gandhi family should contest from UP. Hence, the family had to comply with Yadav's condition—ultimately choosing Raebareli as a stronghold for Rahul.
Internal surveys in Amethi influenced the decision?
Kidwai explains that Congress conducted distinct internal surveys in Amethi and Raebareli. Out of 16 survey reports, Raebareli was deemed safest for the Nehru-Gandhi family members, with Congress successfully defending its fortress there even amidst the Modi wave. However, Amethi's feedback suggested only a 50% chance of success.
When Congress revealed its final hand on Friday, it sparked discussions about why Rahul Gandhi left the Amethi arena. Jairam Ramesh openly addresses such queries, asserting that BJP and their supporters were taken aback by this decision, leaving their self-proclaimed strategists dumbfounded about their next move.
What about Priyanka Gandhi?
Questions are raised about Priyanka Gandhi's absence from the candidacy. According to Jairam Ramesh, Priyanka is aggressively campaigning, countering Narendra Modi's falsehoods with truth, thereby silencing him. It was imperative not to limit her only to her potential constituency. He also suggests that Priyanka could easily enter the house through a by-election. 'Some chess moves are left. Please wait,' he says, stirring speculations that with Rahul assigned the safe seat of Raebareli, Priyanka might enter the house via a by-election.
Speculations are rife that Priyanka's role as a star campaigner is not only boosting her popularity but also accelerating the party's campaign. Kidwai says that as in any other field, politics is complex, filled with endless possibilities and uncertainties. A closer look at Sonia Gandhi's career is needed to understand this. The similar political scenario in 2019 had suggested Rahul might vacate Amethi for Priyanka, but after a defeat in Amethi and a victory in Wayanad, he took the parliament seat through the latter.
