‘Congress Not Fighting On All Seats In UP Sign Of Accepting Defeat’: Smriti Irani Appeals Amethi To Vote For BJP

Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani on Monday (15 April) said that the Congress party not fighting on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh (UP) is a sign of accepting defeat and, therefore, urged the Amethi voters to side with BJP to stay on winning side.

"By fighting in just approximately 20 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, Congress leaders have themselves accepted they don't have the strength to fight and win in the state. Why then should you side with the Congress, come and vote for BJP," said Irani at an election rally in Amethi, ANI has reported.

Irani, who is the BJP candidate from Amethi, also lambasted the Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who represents Amethi in Lok Sabha, for not raising the issues of the constituency in the Parliament.

"For 15 years the Amethi MP has stayed away from his constituency, neither has he spoken on behalf of Amethi in the Parliament. Had it not been necessary to file nomination papers and organise election campaigns, he would never have set foot in this area. Absent from the constituency, silent in the Parliament, of what use is such a leader," she asked.

Irani also promised that if she wins from Amethi, she will shift base to the region to stay in touch and help the residents of the electorate.

"On 6 May if you come out of your houses and vote in favour of BJP, I promise you I will be here on 24 May accepting your wishes. I will also take up a house in Amethi and stay in your midst for the years to come," she said.

As per the report, Amethi will go for the polling on 6 May in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.