The Congress is focusing heavily on Rahul Gandhi, according to Rasheed Kidwai, an author and political analyst. Traditionally relying on the Nehru-Gandhi family, the party sees a resurgence, especially with Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest from Raebareli instead of Wayanad, the two constituencies he won in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. This move suggests a strategic shift.
Boosted by the election outcomes, the Congress is taking a proactive stance.
The election has emboldened the Congress, showing it can directly challenge the BJP. Analysis of their head-to-head contests reveals gains where the Congress wrested seats from the BJP. As a result, the Congress nearly doubled its seats, from 52 in 2019 to 99 in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
Rahul Gandhi Chooses Rae Bareli
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has decided to keep his parliamentary seat in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, and will vacate his seat in Wayanad, Kerala. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will now contest from Wayanad. This decision was confirmed by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge following discussions among the party’s top leaders at his residence.
Rahul Gandhi expressed that this choice was not easy for him because he feels deeply connected to both Rae Bareli and Wayanad. Reflecting on his experience representing Wayanad over the past five years, he described it as a fantastic and fulfilling period. He assured that despite vacating the seat, he will continue to visit Wayanad and fulfill the commitments made to its people.
The decision was reached during a meeting attended by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. According to Kharge, under electoral laws, Rahul Gandhi must vacate one of the two parliamentary seats he won. He will retain Rae Bareli, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from Wayanad, ensuring both constituencies continue to have representation in the Lok Sabha.
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Why Rahul Gandhi Chooses Rae Bareli Over Wayanad?
Here are five reasons why the Congress leader chose Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh over Wayanad in Kerala for the Lok Sabha seat:
Recovering Lost Ground:
In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Congress faced setbacks in Uttar Pradesh, winning only six seats compared to the NDA’s 36. By focusing on Raebareli, where they have historically done well, they aim to regain support from communities like Dalits, Muslims, and Brahmins, especially with the shifting voter preferences after the BSP’s decline.
Strategic Shift:
After the 2024 election results, Congress has shifted its strategy from defensive to offensive. Choosing Raebareli over Wayanad signals a concentrated effort to strengthen its position in Uttar Pradesh, a critical state for national electoral success.
Reviving in Uttar Pradesh:
The path to power in Delhi often runs through Uttar Pradesh. Reviving here is crucial for Congress, as evidenced by their recent gains with the support of the Samajwadi Party. This strategic move aims to build momentum in the heartland states crucial for parliamentary strength.
Heartland Focus:
Winning in the heartland states is essential for Congress to challenge the BJP. By consolidating support in Uttar Pradesh, they hope to influence neighboring states like Bihar and expand their electoral footprint across the Hindi heartland.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Role:
Kerala remains a stronghold for Congress, making it a safe bet for Priyanka Gandhi’s political endeavors, especially with upcoming assembly polls in 2026. Her presence in Wayanad is expected to bolster the party’s campaign in the state.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Expected to Retain Raebareli, May Leave Wayanad Seat
Rahul Gandhi Chooses Rae Bareli FAQs
Q.1. Why did Rahul Gandhi choose Raebareli instead of Wayanad?
Ans. Rahul Gandhi aims to strengthen Congress’s presence in Uttar Pradesh, crucial for national politics, while Priyanka Gandhi focuses on Kerala, a stronghold.
Q.2. What does this decision mean for Congress’s strategy?
Ans. It signifies a shift from defensive to offensive tactics post-2024 elections, concentrating efforts on key states like Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.
Q.3. How does Priyanka Gandhi fit into this strategy?
Ans. Priyanka Gandhi’s presence in Wayanad is strategic for Congress’s campaign in Kerala, anticipating the 2026 assembly polls and bolstering regional support.
Q.4. What impact did the 2024 Lok Sabha election have on Congress’s decision?
Ans. The election results showed Congress’s potential to challenge BJP, prompting a focus on consolidating support in Uttar Pradesh and maintaining Kerala stronghold.
Q.5. Will Rahul Gandhi continue to be involved in Wayanad despite vacating the seat?
Ans. Yes, Rahul Gandhi has committed to fulfilling his obligations to Wayanad constituents despite Priyanka Gandhi taking over the parliamentary seat.
