Rahul Gandhi May Contest From Raebareli in 2024 Lok Sabha Election, According to Congress Sources

The upcoming Lok Sabha Election in 2024 has generated significant attention, particularly regarding the participation of the Gandhi siblings within the Congress party. There is speculation that Congress’s Rahul Gandhi may contest from Raebareli, a seat vacated by his mother, Sonia Gandhi, while the party could field senior leader and longtime Gandhi family loyalist KL Sharma from Amethi, according to sources.

The decision-making process involving the Gandhi siblings has been closely followed. It was reported that they were urged to make a decision by Thursday night, with Friday being the last date for filing nominations.

During a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge suggested that both siblings contest, but ultimately left the final decision to them, citing their “knowledge of the ground reality.” KL Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family, previously represented Sonia Gandhi in the constituency when she was its MP.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was expected to take over this role, however, reports indicate that she remains firm on her decision not to contest, despite pressure. It has been suggested that her reluctance stems from concerns that having all three Gandhi family members in Parliament would reinforce the BJP’s accusation of dynasty politics.

There are indications that Mr. Kharge proposed to Rahul Gandhi that he and his sister both contest from the two seats, expressing that not contesting would convey a negative message, which would be felt not only in Uttar Pradesh but also across the country. The Congress has been delaying the decision on candidates for the two seats for weeks, leading to protests from party workers in Amethi earlier in the week.

With the election for both seats scheduled for May 20, the situation remains tense as the party deliberates on its candidate selection, particularly in light of the potential ramifications of these decisions.