Congress to unveil candidates for Amethi, Raebareli

Today, the Congress party is expected to finally reveal who will run for the Amethi and Raebareli Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress president, will likely make the announcement, just before the deadline for nominations. People have been guessing if Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will run for Amethi and Raebareli.

Rahul lost unexpectedly to Smriti Irani from Amethi in 2019 but might try again this time, possibly also running from Wayanad in Kerala. Priyanka might enter the electoral fray for Raebareli, which has been held by Sonia Gandhi since 2004.

However, there's talk within the party about whether it's wise to field all three Gandhi family members, as the BJP often criticises the Congress for promoting ‘dynastic politics.’ Despite the delay in the announcement, Congress leaders say they are undeterred and discussions are ongoing. The deadline for nominations is tomorrow. Election strategy is being carefully considered amidst these deliberations.

The Gandhi family has a long history in these constituencies. Rahul has represented Amethi since 2004, until his loss in 2019. Similarly, Raebareli has been Sonia's stronghold since 2004. Other family members like Feroze Gandhi, Indira Gandhi's husband, and Arun Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru's grandnephew, have also won from Raebareli in the past.

The Indian National Congress is contesting 17 out of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and other regional groups. Choosing candidates for Amethi and Raebareli is crucial for the opposition's hopes in the upcoming elections.