Sushma claims Sonia not 'invincible' in Rae Bareli

Lucknow, Apr 29 (UNI) Asserting that Congress President Sonia Gandhi is not 'invincible' from Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj today said this traditional Gandhi family stronghold may have some 'surprise' in store during the May eight bypoll.

Rae Bareli is the constituency where the electortae had shattered the 'false pride' of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and they could do it this time also,'' the former union minister told newspersons here before launching her two-phase election campaign against Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli bypoll slated for May eight.

Justifying the candidature of Rajya Sabha MP and former UP BJP President Vinay Katiyar against Ms Gandhi, she said he was in direct fight with the Congress leader. He also countered the media reports in this regard terming him 'sacrificial goat' of BJP.

Ms Swaraj said it was not an ordinary election but this time the electorate of Rae Bareli had to vote against the 'Ahankar' (false ego) of Ms Gandhi. The people of Rae Bareli had realised the folly of 'sacrifice' of Sonia and would surely teach her a lesson.

In reply to a question, she said the bypoll was thrust upon the people of Rae Bareli solely due to the 'whims' of the Congress president. The election was necessitated following her resignation from this Lok Sabha seat in the wake of 'office of profit' controversy.

Ms Swaraj also refused to believe that the candidate put up by expelled BJP leader Uma Bharti would pose any problem for Mr Katiyar. ''We are in for a one-to-one fight against the Congress candidate,'' she asserted.

Recalling her famous electoral dual with the Congress president in Bellary in 1999 general elelction, the former Union Minister said, ''If I could put up a memorable fight against her despite the absence of an effective party organisation in Bellary, Mr Katiyar is backed by a formidable BJP network in Rae Bareli,'' she claimed.

Ms Swaraj, in the first phase, would campaign today and tomorrow to be back again on May four and five during which she would address eight public meetings in Rae Bareli.

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