Rahul Gandhi To Contest From Amethi? Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Raebareli Debut?

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are likely to file nominations from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi and Raebareli Lok Sabha seats, respectively, according to reports. Prior to filing, the Congress leaders may visit Ayodhya to seek blessings at the grand Ram Mandir.

Rahul Gandhi is already contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Kerala's Wayanad seat, with polling scheduled for the second phase on April 26. Speculation surrounds the possibility of him filing from Amethi as well, marking his third contest from the constituency against BJP's Smriti Irani.

For Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, filing from Raebareli would mark her first Lok Sabha election. Raebareli, a Congress stronghold, is currently represented by Sonia Gandhi, who has since moved to the Rajya Sabha.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi by 55,120 votes. However, Rahul had claimed victory in 2014 against Irani by 1,07,903 votes. Raebareli saw Sonia Gandhi defeating BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh by a margin of 1,67,178 votes.

Amid these developments, Amethi leaders have been called to Delhi on April 27th and 28th after Wayanad's voting concludes on April 26. Discussions are expected to focus on Rahul contesting from Amethi and Priyanka from Raebareli, as well as their potential visit to Ayodhya, although no official confirmation has been provided.

Polling in Amethi and Raebareli is scheduled for the fifth phase on May 20th, in the state with a total of 80 Lok Sabha seats.