Maharajganj's political scene heats up as Congress declares Virendra Chaudhary their champion for the Lok Sabha elections. Chaudhary, a current legislator from the Farenda constituency and a state vice-president, is prepared to step into the bigger political arena. While Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinet represented the party in the 2019 election, she was defeated, securing a mere 72,516 votes.
The upcoming 2024 election promises to be a battle of wits in Maharajganj with Virendra Chaudhary, of India Block, going head-to-head against BJP's Pankaj Choudhary—a six-time consecutively elected representative and current Minister of State for Finance in Modi's government, who secured over 726,000 votes in 2019. SP's Akhilesh earned more than 385,000 votes and secured second place. This time around, SP will not field a candidate in Maharajganj, with the seat falling into Congress's lap as part of an alliance with India Block.
'Virendra Chaudhary's Uphill Battle to Victory in 2022'
Having faced defeat in five legislative elections, Congress candidate Virendra Chaudhary finally secured victory in his sixth attempt, defeating BJP's Bajrang Bahadur Singh by 1,246 votes in Farenda in 2022. In the 2017 assembly elections, Chaudhary faced a loss by a margin of 2,354 votes to the same BJP contender.
'Currying Favor: Congress nominates Virendra Chaudhary from the influential Kurmi community'
Virendra Chaudhary hails from the prominent Kurmi community. This election cycle, Congress is banking on a Kurmi candidate to captivate the predominant Kurmi vote in Maharajganj. Upon his nomination, Chaudhary expressed his gratitude to the party leadership. The party seems to be reshuffling its cards after Supriya Shrinet's defeat in the previous election. With Shrinet tasked with significant responsibilities, she has not been fielded as a candidate this time.
'A Damp Squib for Amanmani's Dreams?'
The turn of events has dealt a blow to former MLA Amanmani Tripathi's ambitions. Recently inducted into Congress and a hopeful for the ticket from Maharajganj, Tripathi was surpassed as Congress placed its trust in its veteran grassroots worker, putting an end to all speculation. Tripathi, son of the strongman and former minister Amarmani Tripathi, has a checkered past in politics.
