In Hyderabad, the eminent echelons of the Congress party have resolved to nominate the former helmsman, Rahul Gandhi, as their candidate in Telangana. This decision comes on the heels of the party’s recent ascension to power in the state, a historic achievement since its inception a decade ago following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
Reliable sources from the upper echelons of the Congress party, as disclosed to ETV Bharat, affirm that this strategic move aims to secure the maximum number of seats in the southern state. Congress strategists anticipate a surge in the party’s fortunes akin to the 2019 electoral sweep in Kerala, attributed to Rahul’s candidacy.
Revanth Reddy’s Advocacy for Telangana
Despite fervent pleas from Chief Minister and State Unit Chief Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramamarka, and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy to persuade Sonia Gandhi to contest from Telangana, their entreaties went unanswered. Sonia adhered to her decision to transition to the Rajya Sabha, citing concerns about her health and her apprehension about doing justice to the constituency if directly elected by the people.
Congress High Command’s Approval
Sonia’s decision catalyzed a unanimous call from the Congress cadre for Rahul Gandhi to step forward as the candidate for Telangana. Revanth, in his role as the intermediary, has presented this proposition to party President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary KC Venugopal, and other senior leaders. Revanth’s argument posits that Rahul’s victory is assured without an extensive campaign in the state, enabling him to channel his campaign efforts into other constituencies.
In principle, Rahul has purportedly concurred with the demand from the Telangana Congress for his candidacy. Revanth has proposed two potential seats – Khammam or Bhuvanagiri – leaving the choice to Rahul. Another insider revealed that party leaders are advocating for Malkajgiri in Hyderabad as a potential constituency for Rahul Gandhi.
Beyond Telangana: A Dual Contest
Apart from Telangana, Rahul Gandhi is set to contest a second seat in Uttar Pradesh, specifically from Amethi, a constituency he lost to Smriti Irani in 2019 by a margin exceeding 55,000 votes. Simultaneously, Rahul’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi, is expected to enter the electoral fray from Rae Bareli, the seat previously held by their mother, Sonia Gandhi.
Recalling the Wayanad Triumph
In the 2019 elections, Rahul secured victory in the Wayanad constituency by an impressive margin exceeding 4 lakh votes, setting a record for the largest victory margin in Kerala. His triumph significantly contributed to the Congress alliance securing 19 out of 20 seats in the state. However, indications from various sources in the national capital suggest that Rahul is inclined not to contest from Wayanad in the upcoming elections.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has already nominated Annie Raja, the spouse of D Raja, as its candidate for the Wayanad seat. The Indian Union Muslim League, a partner in the INDIA alliance, is also expected to field a candidate in Wayanad, given the substantial Muslim population in the region. Reports emerging from the national capital hint that Rahul may opt for a different constituency, signaling a potential departure from Wayanad.