Ending speculation over the Congress contenders for Amethi and Rae Bareli, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is poised to unveil the candidates for these prominent constituencies on Thursday.
With the nomination deadline looming just two days away, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced on Wednesday that the party’s central election committee (CEC) has empowered Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to finalize the candidates for the two seats. The announcement is expected within the “next 24-30 hours.”
Amethi and Rae Bareli have long been regarded as bastions of the Gandhi-Nehru family, with its members representing these constituencies for several decades. However, in the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi suffered a defeat to BJP candidate and Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi.
Speculation is rife that Rahul Gandhi may contest from Rae Bareli this time, although the ultimate decision rests with the party. While Priyanka Gandhi is eager to contest from Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi is reportedly hesitant, considering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of dynasty politics within the Congress leadership.
Rahul Gandhi has previously stated that he will adhere to “whatever order” he receives from his party. The elections for Amethi and Rae Bareli are scheduled for May 20 in the fifth phase of the seven-phase general elections.
Addressing questions about any delay in candidate selection and concerns about fielding Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Ramesh asserted, “There is no delay. Hasn’t the BJP announced its candidates in Raebareli? Smriti Irani is an incumbent MP. No one is fearful; discussions are underway, and the Congress president has been authorized. There is no delay; we have until May 3.”
Meanwhile, the state leadership in Uttar Pradesh has already appealed to the central election committee and party leadership to nominate Rahul Gandhi from Amethi and Priyanka from Rae Bareli.
Amid mounting speculation, Congress workers in Amethi staged a sit-in on Tuesday, demanding that the party nominate a member of the Gandhi family as its candidate from the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency.
The Rae Bareli constituency was previously represented by Sonia Gandhi from 2004 to 2024. Prior to that, Sonia Gandhi had represented the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency after entering politics and contesting for the first time in 1999. The seat has also been held by Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi in the past.
The Congress has formed an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and is contesting 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
The Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases, commencing on April 19. Vote counting will take place on June 4.
