In the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the Sultanpur constituency also saw voting. Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi is contesting from this seat. Known for previously leading her electoral campaigns, her parliamentarian son Varun Gandhi seemed to have maintained a distance from this year's campaigning.
Nevertheless, Varun plunged into the fray on the last day of campaigning in Sultanpur and rallyed in favour of his mother. In what was his first electoral rally of the session in Sultanpur constituency, he equated his mother to a divine force, stating that his presence was not just in support of his mother, but for the nurturing figure of Sultanpur itself.
Campaigns for Mother, Yet Distancing from Party
During his address, Varun Gandhi made no mention of the BJP or its emblems. When he arrived to address the rally, he avoided wearing the party's scarf, choosing instead a scarf inscribed with 'Radhe-Radhe'. Marking his visit to Sultanpur a decade ago for his first election, he reminisced about how locals desired the same vibrancy present in Amethi and Raebareli for their own region. Varun's reference to the charm of Amethi and Raebareli also runs contrary to the BJP's narrative.
Source: aajtak
What Does Varun's Low-Profile Indicate?
Even Varun Gandhi's profile on social media platform 'X' suggests a rift with the BJP. Where BJP leaders from junior to senior levels proudly state 'Modi's family' in front of their names on 'X', Varun's bio on his 'X' profile conspicuously lacks any mention of the party.
Once an active participant on 'X', the last post from Varun's handle dated back to 28th March bearing a letter addressed to the people of Pilibhit. After which, no posts followed. Even before the BJP's candidate declaration for the Pilibhit seat, Varun had re-shared some of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s posts. Now, these reposts are nowhere to be found on his 'X' handle.
Source: aajtak
It is obvious then, that Varun himself may have removed these re-shares. His silence on the nation's most significant election, paired with his initial distancing from campaigning and subsequent avoidance of the party's branding in Sultanpur, is being interpreted as clear signs of his estrangement from the BJP.
Maneka Gandhi's Comment on Varun Campaigning
Maneka Gandhi has historically managed her election campaigns with Varun at the helm. Addressing Varun's involvement this time around, Maneka stated he wanted to come for campaigning, but it wasn’t necessary at the moment. She further remarked there was no need to
