Rahul Gandhi Firm On Excluding Gandhi Family Members From Amethi, Rae Bareli Contests In Lok Sabha Elections: Report

Rahul Gandhi has reportedly decided against contesting the Lok Sabha elections from either Amethi or Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. He is also not in favour of any family member being fielded in these constituencies.

Despite efforts by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to persuade him, it appears that Rahul Gandhi has made up his mind, according to a report from Hindustan Times.

During a rally last month, Rahul Gandhi reportedly discussed the matter with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, seeking his opinion on contesting from these constituencies. Although Yadav strongly supported Rahul Gandhi's contesting, the latter decided against it.

With the party's schedule now set, it seems clear that both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi will not participate in this election, with Rahul preferring to focus on Wayanad.

Rahul Gandhi's decision is partly influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent attacks against dynastic politics, which Gandhi feels would provide Modi with ammunition.

The Congress party is now facing limited options for candidates in these two seats. Local workers had indicated to the party leadership that fielding Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi would strengthen the party's efforts to rebuild its state team.

Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi, the only Congress MP to win a Lok Sabha seat from Uttar Pradesh in 2019, has opted for the Rajya Sabha route from Rajasthan.

Avinash Pande, the party's UP in-charge, had previously mentioned that the delay in announcing candidates for these two seats was part of their strategic approach.

The BJP, too, has not disclosed its candidate from Rae Bareli, although reports suggest that Varun Gandhi, the sitting MP from Pilibhit, has been considered.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communication, stated on Wednesday that the party is expected to announce the candidates for Amethi and Rae Bareli within the next 24 to 30 hours.