In the midst of heightened conjecture regarding his potential candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, a constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Congress figurehead Rahul Gandhi stated on Wednesday that he would defer to his party’s choice on the matter. Gandhi conveyed these thoughts during a combined press briefing alongside Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

When asked about his intentions to contest from Amethi in addition to Wayanad, Gandhi responded, “Regarding Amethi, the decision rests with the party. I will comply with whatever directive is issued.” “Such determinations are made in our party’s Central Election Committee assembly,” he accentuated.

The Wayanad polling is set for April 26, while Amethi is scheduled for voting on May 20. Speculation is rife that, apart from his confirmed candidacy in Wayanad, Kerala, Gandhi may also compete for a Lok Sabha seat in Amethi, which he represented for three consecutive terms previously. Similarly, it is suggested that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might run from Rae Bareli, a constituency formerly held by her mother, Sonia Gandhi.

Both constituencies are acknowledged as strongholds of the Gandhi dynasty, and local branches of the Congress party have advocated for both siblings to vie from there. The Congress party has formed a pact with the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh, contesting 17 Lok Sabha seats in the region. The parliamentary elections will take place across seven phases starting on April 19, with vote tallying scheduled for June 4.