Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Decision to Refuse Poll Fight Despite Mallikarjun Kharge’s Request in 2024 Lok Sabha Election

According to sources in the party, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had requested Ms. Gandhi Vadra to contest from Amethi or Rae Bareli, but she refused. Behind her reluctance was the fact that a victory for her and her brother Rahul Gandhi would put three members of the Gandhi family in Parliament — mother Sonia Gandhi is now in Rajya Sabha. This would reinforce the BJP’s charge of dynastic politics, she reasoned, according to sources in the party.

Some leaders fear that her decision may create a negative perception among voters. Many feel that the Congress could have benefited from her star power if she contested the polls. The Congress’s much-awaited decision on these two seats came early this morning.

A big surprise was Rahul Gandhi being fielded from Rae Bareli, and not Amethi, which he has represented thrice in Lok Sabha. For Amethi, the Congress chose Kishori Lal Sharma, a long-time loyalist of the Gandhis. Mr. Sharma, who has earlier worked as Sonia Gandhi’s representative in Rae Bareli, will be contesting his first election.

Both Rahul Gandhi, who is also contesting from Kerala’s Wayanad, and Mr. Sharma will be filing their nomination today. Amethi and Rae Bareli will vote in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 20. Mr. Gandhi will take on the BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh in Rae Bareli and Mr. Sharma is up against Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi.

Congress leaders are confident that Mr. Gandhi will post a thumping win in Rae Bareli. For Amethi, they say that Mr. Sharma is a grassroots leader who will perform well. Ms. Gandhi Vadra took to social media to extend her greetings to Mr. Sharma.

“Kishori Lal Sharma shares a bond with our family. He has been dedicated to serving the people of Amethi and Rae Bareli. His zeal for public service is an example,” she said.

“It is heartening that the Congress has named him its candidate from Amethi. His dedication and sense of duty will surely bring him success in this election,” she posted on X. The BJP has taken a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over the Congress’s move to switch him from Amethi to Rae Bareli.

Party spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said the Congress is now “addicted to daydreaming”. Instead of leading the fight like a responsible general, he is behaving like a runaway soldier,” he said.