The Congress party’s decision to withhold the announcement of candidates for the Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies in Uttar Pradesh has created confusion and speculation, amplified by untimely comments. Amethi, where Rahul Gandhi lost to the BJP’s Smriti Irani in 2019, has seen posters suggesting that Gandhi’s brother-in-law, Robert Vadra, should be given a chance. Gandhi contested from Wayanad in Kerala, where the Congress’s prospects were significantly bolstered by his candidature in 2019. Therefore, analysts believe that the party may be hesitant to announce Gandhi’s candidature from Amethi to avoid any potential impact on Wayanad. However, Congress leaders have accused the BJP of orchestrating the posters in favor of Vadra.
In Rae Bareli, which was represented by Sonia Gandhi for two decades, there is an expectation that her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will contest. This has led to speculation that the BJP might field Varun Gandhi, Priyanka’s cousin, against her. Varun Gandhi is the incumbent MP for Pilibhit, but the party has decided not to field him from there this time. Although the BJP district president has denied any move to field Varun Gandhi, the possibility remains a subject of speculation.
Amidst the uncertainty, Smriti Irani has been actively campaigning in Amethi. She responded to the Vadra posters by stating, “Jija ho ya saala, Amethi ka voter, Modi ka matwala” (Whether brother-in-law or relative, Amethi voters are crazy about Modi). The Congress and Samajwadi Party are contesting the polls together, with the Congress fielding candidates in 17 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, including Amethi and Rae Bareli. The party has declared candidates for the other 15 Lok Sabha seats.
