The Gandhi family faces a persistent dilemma regarding the Rae Bareli and Amethi seats.
While it’s confirmed that Rahul Gandhi will contest the elections, uncertainty looms over Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy. The question arises whether Priyanka should also enter the electoral fray. Two viewpoints have emerged: one suggests that both should contest, yet the challenge lies in managing their campaigns simultaneously.
Another consideration is the potential outcome if Priyanka wins Rae Bareli while Rahul loses Amethi. In such a scenario, there’s a notion that Rahul should contest from Rae Bareli, offering another candidate a chance in Amethi. However, concerns arise over whether the opposition will exploit this decision. The final call rests with the Gandhi family. Both Rahul and Priyanka will commence election tours on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
With low voter turnout, the party hopes that the opposition will benefit. In this regard, the party has devised a new strategy of focusing more on Priyanka Gandhi’s electoral campaigning. However, the party’s internal report suggests that both Rae Bareli and Amethi seats are easily winnable. If Rahul Gandhi contests from Amethi, it will pose difficulties for Smriti Irani this time. The 2019 election was different. Due to the air strikes and surgical strikes, there was a wave in favor of Prime Minister Modi. Despite that wave, Smriti Irani emerged victorious.
Analysts suggest that Congress stands a chance to win both Rae Bareli and Amethi seats due to sympathetic sentiments. Although former Congress president Sonia Gandhi may not actively campaign, her influence remains potent. The decision to field both or just one candidate now lies with the Gandhi family. Clarity on this matter is expected to emerge in the coming days.