Congress Uncertain On Candidates For Crucial Lok Sabha Seats Amid PM Modi's Campaign

The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections is set for April 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively campaigning, but key Congress members, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are rarely seen. The Congress party is uncertain about its candidates for the crucial seats of Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. Questions are swirling: Will Rahul Gandhi contest from Amethi again? Will Priyanka Gandhi Vadra run from Rae Bareli, or will her husband, Robert Vadra, be considered?

This indecision is notable given the Congress party's role as a major opponent to the BJP. There's talk that Rahul Gandhi might wait to see how he fares in the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, where polling is scheduled on April 26, before making decisions about Amethi, which votes on May 20. Meanwhile, the BJP has re-nominated Union minister Smriti Irani for Amethi, who has criticised Rahul Gandhi for his connections and declarations regarding Wayanad.

There's also unrest within the Congress ranks in Amethi. A report highlights that locals are disappointed with Rahul Gandhi's infrequent visits over the past five years. The alliance with the Samajwadi Party hasn't smoothed things over either, with complaints about a lack of coordination. In Rae Bareli, despite continuous support declines, there's speculation about Priyanka Vadra running instead of Sonia Gandhi, who has opted for a Rajya Sabha seat. Yet, the possibility of Robert Vadra contesting remains uncertain.