In the aftermath of formally submitting her candidacy for a Rajya Sabha position hailing from Rajasthan, the erstwhile Congress leader, Sonia Gandhi, subtly hinted on the ensuing Thursday regarding the plausible foray of her offspring, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, into the electoral arena representing the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency.
“I shall abstain from participating in the forthcoming Lok Sabha electoral endeavors, citing the confluence of advancing age and health-related exigencies. Consequently, the avenue to directly serve you remains elusive, yet rest assured, my allegiance and essence persistently align with your cause. I am confident in your ability to navigate the tribulations, as you have consistently demonstrated,” articulated Sonia Gandhi in her expression of gratitude to the electorate of Rae Bareli.
Sonia Gandhi formally lodged her nomination for the Rajya Sabha designation from Rajasthan on the 14th of February. Accompanying her were her progeny, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Amidst party circles, speculation has taken root concerning the potential candidacy of Priyanka, who has long overseen the dual parliamentary constituencies of Rae Bareli and Amethi. There is conjecture that she might emerge as the successor to the departing MP, Sonia Gandhi, in Rae Bareli, while Rahul might vie for the Amethi seat, in addition to the Wayanad constituency in Kerala that currently adorns his Lok Sabha representation.
Rahul faced defeat in the Amethi seat during the 2019 elections, leaving Sonia as the sole Congress representative from Rae Bareli.
The prospect of Priyanka, who assumed the AICC role for Uttar Pradesh between 2019 and 2023, participating in the parliamentary elections has sparked enthusiasm among local leaders. They are actively preparing for a grand rally scheduled for February 19 in Amethi, wherein Priyanka will also play a prominent role. Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is slated to enter Uttar Pradesh on February 16, reaching Rae Bareli on February 20, following a stopover in Amethi on February 19.
“The inevitability of Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy from Rae Bareli, subsequent to Sonia Gandhi’s transition to the Rajya Sabha, is palpable. Priyanka has diligently managed both Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies for an extended period. Specifically, regarding Rae Bareli, she has assumed responsibility for the constituency, conducting regular sessions with district Congress committees over the past quinquennium, given Sonia Gandhi’s constraints in allocating sufficient time to her parliamentary jurisdiction,” articulated UP MLC and local luminary, Deepak Singh, to ETV Bharat.
Anticipation is building over Priyanka Gandhi’s potential candidacy in Rae Bareli. The local leaders are fervently urging Rahul Gandhi to vie for the Amethi seat, preparing for a substantial rally on February 19. Priyanka Gandhi’s participation in the rally is also anticipated.
“While Rahul Gandhi undeniably leads our cause, Priyanka Gandhi embodies a national stature. However, the decision of who contests from which constituency lies within the purview of the Gandhi family,” stated AICC secretary overseeing UP, Pradeep Narwal.
According to insiders from the party, Sonia Gandhi, in her letter of appreciation to the Rae Bareli voters, underscored the familial bonds shared with them, fostering a personal and emotional connection.
“The familial unit finds its completeness not in Delhi, but rather, in Rae Bareli, where we meet you. The roots of our kinship with Rae Bareli run deep. From electing my father-in-law, Feroze Gandhi, in the inaugural Lok Sabha election post-Independence, to embracing mother-in-law Indira Gandhi, this bond has not only endured but strengthened over time,” Sonia expressed.
“You provided me with a path to traverse after the loss of my mother-in-law and husband. Your warm reception during that period is etched in my memory. Over the last two electoral cycles, you stood steadfast, a resilient support in challenging circumstances. I take pride in asserting that my identity is intricately linked with you, and I have consistently endeavored to uphold this trust,” she concluded.