CINEHIND

Breaking News

Jaishankar: No discussions beyond fear, Indus Waters Treaty on hold

Congress to Announce Amethi and Raebareli Candidates After Holi, Speculations Abound

Kalyani Jha
25 Mar, 2024

Uttar Pradesh's Congress unit chief Ajay Rai has revealed that the party will unveil its candidates for the crucial Amethi and Raebareli Lok Sabha seats post-Holi celebrations. Rai's statement comes amidst fervent anticipation as the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 draw nearer.

"Following Holi, the names of candidates for the remaining eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi and Raebareli, will be announced," Rai conveyed to PTI. Congress has already disclosed candidates for 183 seats, with nine from Uttar Pradesh.

The spotlight remains on former party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, with Congress workers urging their candidature from Amethi and Raebareli respectively. Rai expressed confidence, hinting that at least one of the two stalwarts will contest from these iconic constituencies.

The recent fourth candidate list from Congress for Uttar Pradesh excluded names for Amethi and Raebareli, once the strongholds of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Notably, Union Minister Smriti Irani, representing BJP, clinched victory against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

Conversely, Sonia Gandhi, a long-time MP from Rae Bareli, opted out of the 2024 elections, igniting speculation that Priyanka Gandhi might step into her shoes. This buzz gained momentum as Priyanka's posters surfaced in the constituency recently.

Ajay Rai underscored the party's heartfelt desire for Rahul and Priyanka to contest from Amethi and Raebareli, but acknowledged that the final decision rests with the party leadership. Rai himself is contesting from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The delay in announcing candidates for these crucial seats reflects the consideration of party workers' demands. Congress, vying on 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, is collaborating with the Samajwadi Party for the remaining constituencies, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the state.