Maneka Gandhi Eyes Ninth Lok Sabha Term With Broad Support In Sultanpur

The Lok Sabha elections in Amethi and Rae Bareli are drawing attention due to the Gandhi family's involvement. However, Sultanpur, just 30 kilometers from Amethi, is witnessing a different electoral battle. Maneka Gandhi is contesting for the 9th time, seeking re-election from Sultanpur for the second time.

Unlike Amethi and Rae Bareli, Sultanpur's electoral scene is unique. Despite contesting from Sultanpur only for the second time, Maneka Gandhi has gained popularity due to her active involvement in local issues. As a BJP candidate, her popularity seems to cross caste and religion boundaries.

Supporters affectionately call her "Mataji." Maneka Gandhi describes her working style as "Mata Giri." She tells supporters, "I have done everything you asked for, but most importantly, I have worked tirelessly for your safety."

Before coming to Sultanpur in 2019, the 67-year-old Maneka Gandhi had won elections from Pilibhit six times and once from Aonla. The Samajwadi Party has fielded Ram Bhuwal Nishad against her, while the BSP has nominated Uday Raj Verma. The SP has never won this seat but hopes to gain support from Muslims, Yadavs, Nishads, some Dalits, and other OBC voters.

Even SP supporters acknowledge Maneka Gandhi's work. An ETV report quotes an SP supporter, Mohammad Irfan, saying, "If anyone has worked here after Tahir Khan (BSP), it is Maneka Gandhi." Amidst recent polarized elections, a shopkeeper named Fahim appreciates Maneka's work.

However, Maneka Gandhi faces criticism in Sultanpur. Some residents like Prashant Singh believe her work is limited to the city and not extended to villages. BJP General Secretary Praveen Mishra counters this claim by stating she has visited every village twice since her victory.

BJP leaders compare her to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. They claim she has interacted with nearly 13 lakh out of Sultanpur's 18 lakh voters over the past five years. During elections, she holds a "durbar" every morning, listening to grievances of 200 to 250 people, including Muslims and Yadavs.

A BJP leader says she doesn't inquire about someone's last name before helping them. He adds that while Modi will be there during elections, Maneka's popularity will increase the margin of victory. They expect a victory margin of three lakh votes.

SP candidate Nishad accuses Maneka Gandhi of being arrogant. He says, "We ask for votes with humility, while she instructs people to vote. She calls ministers monkeys and bears."

Currently, Maneka Gandhi is the longest-serving Lok Sabha MP. If she wins this election, she will become a 9-time MP in the 18th Lok Sabha.