Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi has formally submitted her nomination papers for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling BJP. Gaurav Bhatia, the party spokesperson, remarked that the Gandhi family has now shifted its focus away from Uttar Pradesh, once considered their stronghold. Bhatia insinuated that the Congress acknowledges the bleak electoral prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, speculating that the party may not secure any of the 80 seats in the state.
Image - Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi & Priyanka Gandhi - Credit Google
The Congress faced a significant setback in the last Lok Sabha elections, managing to win only one seat out of the 80 in Uttar Pradesh. Sonia Gandhi emerged victorious from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi faced defeat in the ancestral Amethi constituency. In anticipation of potential defeat, Rahul Gandhi had strategically contested from Wayanad in Kerala, securing a parliamentary seat despite losing in Amethi. It's worth noting that Rahul Gandhi was defeated by BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi. The BJP, in its critique, emphasizes the Congress' perceived realization of electoral challenges in Uttar Pradesh, prompting the Gandhi family's strategic shift to Rajasthan for Sonia Gandhi's Rajya Sabha nomination.
Amit Malviya, the Chief of BJP's IT cell, has commented on Sonia Gandhi's nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, asserting that it signifies the Congress party's acknowledgment of an impending electoral defeat in Rae Bareli as well. In a social media post, Malviya expressed, "Following the resounding loss of Congress in Amethi, Rae Bareli is the next in line. Sonia Gandhi's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha election is tantamount to conceding defeat in Rae Bareli. The Gandhi family has now relinquished its claimed strongholds. Despite the Samajwadi Party extending an offer of 11 seats, the Congress is projected to secure no seats in Uttar Pradesh." Malviya's remarks highlight the BJP's perspective on the Congress party's strategic decisions and its perceived electoral challenges in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing a shift away from once-presumed bastions.
The electoral history of the Bareilly seat has been synonymous with the prominence of the Gandhi family since the 1980s. This stronghold began with Sanjay Gandhi winning the election in 1980, followed by Rajiv Gandhi securing victory in the subsequent by-election after Sanjay's demise. In 1991, Satish Sharma, a close associate of the Gandhi family, continued the legacy by winning the seat. Sonia Gandhi emerged victorious in 1999, and subsequently, Rahul Gandhi consecutively won the Lok Sabha elections from Bareilly in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Notably, Sonia Gandhi, assuming the role of Congress President in 1999, was elected as an MP from Amethi for the first time.
Recent developments indicate a potential shift in the electoral landscape, with speculation arising that Priyanka Gandhi may contest elections from Rae Bareli this time. Sonia Gandhi's decision to abstain from electoral contests due to health reasons has led to her nomination for the Rajya Sabha, providing an alternative avenue for parliamentary representation. The filing of nomination in the assembly building witnessed the presence of key leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra, and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully.
With the Congress having a favorable position, it is anticipated to secure one of the three Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. The vacancy will arise as former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh completes his six-year term in April. If successful, this would mark 77-year-old Sonia Gandhi's inaugural term in the Upper House after completing five terms as a Lok Sabha MP. The dynamics of these electoral maneuvers underscore the evolving political landscape and strategic decisions within the Congress party.
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