May 2nd 2024.
As the deadline for filing nominations approaches, speculations continue to swirl around the Congress candidates from Amethi and Rae Bareli. Insider sources have revealed that Rahul Gandhi is likely to make a comeback and contest from the seat he lost in the last general elections.
According to sources, the party is expected to announce its nominees for these two prestigious constituencies tonight, just in time for the filing deadline tomorrow. The preparations for nomination filing have already begun in Uttar Pradesh, where the Gandhi-Nehru family has a strong hold.
It is highly likely that Rahul Gandhi will be the chosen candidate for Amethi, a seat that he lost to Smriti Irani in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In addition, Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi is also expected to be present during the nomination filing process.
In case Priyanka Gandhi Vadra decides not to contest from Rae Bareli, the Congress has prepared a backup plan. Sources suggest that a grandson of former Congress leader and Indira Gandhi's aunt, Sheila Kaul, may be fielded from the constituency.
The loyal followers of the Gandhi family, who have been on the ground in Amethi, have already prepared the nominations for both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. However, the party is yet to make any formal announcement regarding their candidatures.
Sources also reveal that Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, who were both attending a joint rally in Karnataka, have discussed the possibility of Rahul contesting from Amethi. The Congress leadership in Uttar Pradesh has also urged the Gandhi family to contest from both the seats that have been traditionally held by their family. However, the final decision lies with the top leadership and the first family of the Congress.
The Amethi constituency has been represented by Rahul Gandhi since 2004, and he has held the seat for three consecutive terms until the last elections. Currently, he represents the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, from where he is contesting this time as well. Rahul Gandhi has stated that he will follow "whatever order" he receives from his party.
Both Amethi and Rae Bareli will go to polls on May 20, in the fifth phase of the seven-phase general elections. The Rae Bareli seat has been held by Sonia Gandhi since 2004, after she had previously represented the Amethi constituency in 1999. Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have also held the seat in the past.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has formed an alliance with the Samajwadi Party as part of the INDIA bloc, and is contesting in 17 Lok Sabha seats. The general elections are being held in seven phases, starting from April 19. The results will be announced on June 4.
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