Lok Sabha 2024: In a dramatic last-minute decision, the Congress party announced significant changes regarding its candidates for Amethi and Raebareli. Contrary to expectations, Rahul Gandhi, who was anticipated to contest vigorously for Amethi, has been named as the party’s candidate for Raebareli, a seat recently vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi upon her move to the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, in Amethi, the constituency that shifted allegiance to the BJP five years ago, the Congress will field Kishori Lal Sharma, a longstanding loyalist of the Gandhi family. Despite efforts, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declined to contest from Raebareli, a constituency she had diligently nurtured on behalf of her mother for over a decade.

The Congress’s decision, unveiled on Friday after weeks of anticipation, sets the stage for both candidates to file their nomination papers today, marking the final day for nominations for the fifth phase of elections scheduled for May 20. Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by Priyanka and Rahul, arrived in Amethi to support Mr. Sharma during his nomination filing, while Mr. Gandhi will file his nomination later in the day from Raebareli. Sources suggest that Rahul Gandhi will also conduct a roadshow in Raebareli before filing his nomination papers.

Following the announcement of candidates for these prestigious seats, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra congratulated KL Sharma, expressing confidence in his “loyalty and dedication” to secure victory. She emphasized Sharma’s longstanding commitment to public service and expressed optimism in his success in the upcoming election.

There is growing concern that Rahul Gandhi’s seat switch could potentially benefit the BJP, particularly given Union Minister Smriti Irani’s victory in Amethi during the 2019 elections. Irani, set to defend her seat, has asserted that the Congress’s delay in announcing its candidate reflects apprehension about her imminent victory.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV earlier this week, Irani suggested that the Congress leadership recognizes Amethi as a challenging constituency for them, implying that their hesitance to announce a candidate sooner indicates their lack of confidence.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s decision not to contest further compounds the Congress’s challenges. Many within the party fear that her withdrawal could fuel negative perceptions, potentially impacting election outcomes nationwide. With 353 seats still up for grabs, the Congress is contesting on 330 seats.

Sources indicate that Vadra’s reluctance stems from concerns about exacerbating BJP accusations of dynasty politics, especially considering the presence of all three Gandhi family members in parliament. With Sonia Gandhi already in the Rajya Sabha and Rahul Gandhi previously contesting from Kerala’s Wayanad, Vadra’s victory in Raebareli could further bolster these allegations.

A potential victory for Mr. Gandhi in both Raebareli and Wayanad could indeed pose a dilemma for the party, as he would be required to vacate one of the two seats, each with significant claims on him.

While Raebareli represents the longstanding family bastion, Wayanad stands as a Congress stronghold, having elected him to the Lok Sabha when Amethi faced a setback. However, resolving this issue is a challenge the Congress can address at a later time.