Rahul Gandhi May Run for Lok Sabha Election 2024 from Raebareli, According to Congress Sources

The upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024 has generated speculation regarding the political future of the Gandhi siblings. Congress’s Rahul Gandhi may contest from Raebareli, a seat previously held by his mother Sonia Gandhi, while the party is considering fielding senior leader KL Sharma from Amethi. Although the Gandhi siblings were supposed to make a decision by Thursday night, the party has yet to make a formal announcement, with the deadline for filing nominations approaching on Friday. At a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge suggested that both siblings contest, leaving the final decision to them based on their understanding of the ground reality.

KL Sharma, a longtime loyalist of the Gandhi family, previously represented Sonia Gandhi in the constituency. With Sonia Gandhi now in the Rajya Sabha, there has been expectation for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to step in, although she remains firm in her decision not to contest, despite pressure. The suggestion that Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi both contest from their respective family bastions has been made, with concerns that not contesting might send the wrong message, potentially impacting the party’s standing not only in Uttar Pradesh but across the country. The party has faced delays in finalizing candidates for these two seats, prompting protests from Congress workers in Amethi earlier in the week.

The impending election for both seats is set for May 20th, creating urgency for the party to make a decision on its candidates.