Rahul Gandhi To Pick Raebareli Over Wayanad, Announcement Today: Sources

A move that has been speculated in the political arena for a while, Rahul Gandhi might just announce giving up the Wayanad seat for Raebareli today. This decision marks a significant shift in Congress' strategy as the Gandhi scion will be moving back to his family bastion.

Another prediction that's been doing the rounds is Priyanka Gandhi's official entry into electoral politics - she might contest from Wayanad in the bypolls - potentially strengthening the party's position in Kerala.

Despite internal pressures, Rahul Gandhi is not expected to take up the Leader of Opposition role in the Lok Sabha, a position that could have provided him with Cabinet rank status and a stronger platform to coordinate with allies within the INDIA bloc.

"He has conveyed that he is not inclined to take up the post," a source said.

Congress meeting scheduled for 5 pm today is crucial as it is the deadline to convey the decision about the Wayanad constituency to the Lok Sabha secretariat, reported NDTV. The selection of a new Wayanad candidate can wait, given the six-month window for the bypoll following Rahul Gandhi's resignation from the seat.

Gandhi's performance in the recent elections showed strong results in both Wayanad and Raebareli. His win in Raebareli, influenced by Sonia Gandhi's appeal, came with a margin of 3.9 lakh votes, slightly higher than his 3.64 lakh vote margin in Wayanad.

Why Raebareli over Wayanad?

Rahul's move to Raebareli is strategic due to Uttar Pradesh's significance in national politics. While some Congress leaders and workers in Wayanad have urged Rahul to retain his seat there, banners have also suggested Priyanka to take over if he finally decides to leaves.

Kishori Lal Sharma, the newly-elected MP from Amethi who ousted Smriti Irani from the seat, has also urged the Gandhi scion to relinquish Wayanad for Raebareli. Meanwhile, Kerala Congress chief K Sudhakaran had also hinted a few days ago that Rahul may finally pick Raebareli.

"We should not be saddened as Rahul Gandhi who is supposed to lead the nation cannot be expected to remain in Wayanad. Therefore, we should not be sad. Everyone should understand that and give all their wishes and support to him," Sudhakaran as quoted as saying.