The Indian National Congress has selected its candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, fielding Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli and Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi, two constituencies that have been Congress strongholds for decades.
This announcement came after much anticipation surrounding these two key seats in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress president, lost his bid for reelection in Amethi in 2019 to Smriti Irani, the incumbent Union Minister and BJP leader.
Both Rahul Gandhi and KL Sharma are set to file their nominations today, the final day for doing so. The elections in Amethi and Raebareli will be held on May 20, as part of the fifth round of the seven-phase electoral process.
The decision to field Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli and KL Sharma from Amethi was made at a meeting of the Congress's Central Election Committee.
KL Sharma, a staunch Congress loyalist, will face off against Smriti Irani in the Amethi constituency. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's opponent in Raebareli will be Dinesh Pratap Singh, who was announced as the BJP's candidate on Thursday. Singh had previously contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections against Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress president, but was defeated.
Commenting on KL Sharma's candidature from Amethi, Congress worker Yogendra Yadav expressed confidence in his victory, emphasizing Sharma's close ties with the Gandhi family. There is no disappointment. We will definitely win from here (Amethi). KL Sharma is also a part of the (Gandhi) family now, Yadav stated. He has worked for the Gandhi family in Amethi for 30 to 35 years.
Sharma has indeed played a pivotal role in overseeing the Amethi and Raebareli constituencies in the absence of the Gandhis.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Raebareli for Rahul Gandhi's roadshow and filing of nominations. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to accompany Gandhi to Raebareli.
