The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Amethi) : The Congress party has strategically chosen Kishori Lal Sharma to contest from Amethi, as he is deemed capable of defeating BJP’s Smriti Irani, stated senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot. Gehlot, who is serving as the senior AICC observer for Amethi, expressed confidence that the Congress would secure significant victories in both the Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats.
Gehlot emphasized that if Sharma can defeat Irani, there is no need to field a prominent national figure like Rahul Gandhi. “This is part of our political strategy,” Gehlot explained. “Sharma has been a loyal Congress worker for 40 years, and his candidacy sends a strong message across the country.”
Gehlot addressed the absence of a Gandhi family member contesting from Amethi for the first time in 25 years, asserting that the electorate in the five assembly segments of the constituency overwhelmingly supports the Congress. He dismissed claims that Rahul Gandhi had sought a safer seat, asserting that Sharma is well-equipped to win against Irani.
In Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi is contesting against BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh, while Gehlot pointed out that negative remarks about Sharma by Singh have backfired, garnering more support for the Congress candidate. Gehlot criticized Irani’s tenure as an MP, claiming she failed to bring significant investments or institutions to Amethi, and highlighted allegations that she neglected her constituents.
Gehlot also refuted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claims that the Gandhi family neglected development in Rae Bareli and Amethi, citing substantial infrastructure improvements over the years. He mentioned the establishment of roads, water supply systems, electricity, education facilities, healthcare, and an airport during the Gandhi family’s tenure.
Gehlot expressed optimism that the Congress would win both Amethi and Rae Bareli by large margins and predicted a broader victory for the Congress and the INDIA bloc nationwide. He highlighted the anticipation building up to the vote count on June 4.
Accompanying Gehlot in Rae Bareli are former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who are actively campaigning in both constituencies. Priyanka Gandhi is conducting numerous corner meetings in various villages, rallying support ahead of the polls on May 20.
In the previous 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sonia Gandhi secured Rae Bareli for the Congress, while Rahul Gandhi lost to Smriti Irani in Amethi. The current election strategy aims to capitalize on local support and leverage longstanding relationships within the constituency to ensure a Congress victory.