On Shaky Ground In Amethi, Rahul Mulls Raebareli; Sends SOS To Akhilesh

New Delhi: In midst of speculation surrounding candidate selection for Amethi and Raebareli constituencies in Uttar Presh, sources told Republic World that Congress leer Rahul Gandhi dialled Samajwi Party chief Akhilesh Yav seeking his support. During ir conversation, Akhilesh suggested that Rahul contest from Raebareli, anor stronghold of Congress party. For unversed, Rahul h been representing Amethi seat since 2004 but faced defeat in 2019 elections at hands of BJP's Smriti Irani. Currently, Rahul Gandhi holds Wayan constituency in Kerala, a seat he also contested in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 

What Transpired During Rahul-Akhilesh Phone Call

Dialling Akhilesh Yav, Rahul Gandhi sought SP's support in Amethi as doubts linger over his own cre's strength. Willing to contest from Raebareli to secure victory, but aiming to be a leer from Amethi, Rahul reaches out to Akhilesh Yav for assistance. Akhilesh vises Rahul to prioritize building leership in Amethi for a stronger political foothold. 

Rahul's Humiliating Defeat in 2019

In a big upset during 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Union Minister and BJP candidate Smriti Irani secured victory in Amethi constituency, a stronghold long associated with Gandhi family. Defying expectations, Irani h secured a landslide victory by a margin of 55,120 votes, garnering a total of 4,68,514 votes, while Rahul Gandhi, n Congress president, h received 4,13,394 votes.

Why Amethi, Raebareli Are Important For Congress?

Amethi and Raebareli, historically a Congress bastion has long been synonymous with Nehru-Gandhi family's political legacy. With few exceptions in 1970s and late 1990s, Amethi consistently supported eir members of Nehru-Gandhi family or ir loyalists.

Sanjay Gandhi's victory in Amethi in 1980 was followed by his bror Rajiv Gandhi's successful bid in subsequent by-election in 1981. Rajiv Gandhi continued to represent seat until 1991. After his assassination, his wife Sonia Gandhi won Amethi seat in 1999, and subsequently, ir son Rahul Gandhi took over and represented constituency from 2004 to 2019.

Raebareli constituency was represented by Sonia Gandhi from 2004 to 2024. Moreover, Raebareli's political landscape is influenced by emotional and symbolic attachment people have with Nehru-Gandhi family. constituents often perceive a personal connection and loyalty to family, which reflects in ir voting patterns. Consequently, Raebareli has remained a stronghold for Congress party over years.