Rae Bareli will vote on Monday. Congress is pulling out all all stops in the last two days of campaigning in Rae Bareli. There are indications that on Friday, former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who has been absent from the elections so far, will join the election rally in both Rae Bareli and Amethi.
She is expected to make a compelling appeal for votes in these constituencies. Experts anticipate that her participation could significantly impact the Rae Bareli seat. Joining her at the rally on the IIT ground will be Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav. The rally, named Seva Sankalp Sabha, holds considerable significance for the Congress campaign, especially as election campaigning will halt the following day.
Amethi and Rae Bareli seats have become more of a prestige issue for the Gandhi family. More than Congress, the Gandhi family is concerned about these two prominent seats where they have had a strong foothold. Priyanka Gandhi has been leading consistently in both constituencies since May 6, focusing her efforts there and refraining from campaigning in other areas.
Her involvement echoes her engagement during the 2022 assembly elections, where she played an active role despite Congress’s limited success in Uttar Pradesh. Now, exactly two years later, she is spearheading the campaigns in Rae Bareli and Amethi. Priyanka’s efforts in connecting with the people day and night exemplify the dedication of the Gandhi family. The outcome of her endeavors will be revealed on June 4, but Priyanka is steadfast in safeguarding the family’s reputation.
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, is actively campaigning in Amethi alongside his team.
The victory in Rae Bareli holds significant importance for Priyanka and the entire Congress, as her brother and the party’s top leader, Rahul Gandhi, is contesting from this constituency. Priyanka and the entire Congress are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of Friday’s rally. However, Congress faces challenges, notably with two MLAs of the Samajwadi Party, who had previously won seats falling under these two Lok Sabha constituencies, joined the BJP. Congress’s struggle extends to the block level, evident from the reduced victory margin of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the last election.
The primary challenge for Congress now is not only to secure victory but also to widen the margin of triumph. While winning the Amethi seat is the objective, achieving a significant victory in Rae Bareli presents a formidable challenge, given the BJP’s stronghold in both constituencies. Nonetheless, Congress is mounting a robust campaign this time around. Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, entrusted with overseeing Rae Bareli, is actively engaging with voters, making various announcements during his speeches.
Friday’s rally will mark the second occasion where the Gandhi family will share the stage. Previously, they appeared together during the Indi Alliance rally in support of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This upcoming rally in Rae Bareli will serve as a crucial indicator of whether Congress can secure a substantial victory in the region this time around.