August 18, 2023
Introduction
In a recent turn of events, Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Ajay Rai’s announcement that Rahul Gandhi would contest from Amethi in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections has sparked a political exchange with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has downplayed Rai’s announcement, suggesting that it might have been made in a state of enthusiasm.
Amit Malviya, a prominent figure in the BJP, took to Twitter to express his skepticism about the announcement. He questioned whether Rahul Gandhi, who is currently vacationing in Leh, would be shocked upon hearing the news. Malviya’s tweet also subtly poked at the Congress party, suggesting that if Rai is announcing candidates, he should also announce Sonia Gandhi’s constituency.
Reacting to the announcement, BJP leader Kaushal Kishore emphasized that while anyone can contest from anywhere in a democracy, it’s important not to claim certain victory. Kishore hinted at the 2019 elections in Wayanad, Kerala, where Rahul Gandhi won while contesting from two constituencies. He suggested that Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Amethi might be due to his previous defeat in Wayanad.
Ajay Raj’s Announcement timing raises suspicion
The timing of Ajay Rai’s announcement, made shortly after being appointed as the UP Congress Chief, raised eyebrows. Rai explained that the decision was influenced by the wishes of Amethi’s people and party workers. He stated that the people of Amethi wanted Rahul Gandhi to rectify past mistakes and were confident in his ability to secure a significant majority.
Furthermore, Ajay Rai indicated that Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy would be her personal decision, and the party workers would provide full support wherever she chose to contest. Rai’s comments painted the party’s top leaders, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, as having the freedom to decide their own constituencies, while the party would focus on securing their victories.
Speculation has also risen over who will challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in the 2024 elections. When questioned, Ajay Rai deflected, indicating that it’s currently up to the party high command and the INDIA alliance to decide.
Conclusion
As the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh begins to take shape for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ajay Rai’s announcement has set the stage for further discussions and debates between the Congress and BJP. With candidates yet to be officially declared, the coming months promise to be a period of intense political maneuvering and strategic planning for both parties.
