Rahul Gandhi of the Congress and party leader Mallikarjun Kharge are currently meeting to finalize their choice of candidates for Amethi and Raebareli, as the deadline for filing nominations is approaching this Friday.
Sources indicate that Mr. Kharge has been entrusted with the responsibility of selecting a candidate. The two leaders are expected to reach a decision after the meeting, which is taking place in Karnataka, where Mr. Gandhi is currently campaigning.
It's rumored that while Mr. Gandhi may contest from one seat, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remains firm in her decision not to contest, despite pressure. Many anticipated that she would follow her mother's footsteps in Raebareli.
The Congress has been delaying this decision for weeks, but time is running out. Just two days ago, Congress workers in Amethi protested, demanding a Gandhi family member as their candidate.
Elections for both seats are scheduled for May 20th, in the fifth phase.
There are reports suggesting that Rahul Gandhi might not be interested in contesting from Amethi. Winning there would mean he might have to relinquish his seat in Kerala, where he was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019.
Ms. Gandhi Vadra's reluctance seems to stem from the potential scenario of all three Gandhi family members being in Parliament, which could fuel BJP accusations of dynasty politics. Sonia Gandhi, who previously represented Raebareli, has moved to the Rajya Sabha.
The Congress sees a lot riding on the outcome of these two crucial seats, as it sets the tone for the rest of the election. Polls for 353 seats will be held in the remaining five phases. Of these, the Congress is contesting 330 seats, as the BJP has already won the Surat and Indore seats without contest. This marks the lowest number of seats the Congress has contested since Independence, attributed to the united front being formed by the opposition and many seats being conceded to allies in various states.
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