NEW DELHI: The Congress party on Friday clarified its stance stating that it is crucial that
Priyanka Gandhi
‘s role should not be limited to a single constituency, given her extensive campaigning across the country.
Congress’s response came after the grand old party announced that
Rahul Gandhi
will be contesting from Rae Bareli and Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi.
It was earlier speculated that both Priyanka and Rahul would contest from either Amethi or Rae Bareli.
“Priyanka ji is campaigning vigorously and is single-handedly silencing
Narendra Modi
’s lies. The way she responded to the canards that the PM was spreading on the abolition of estate duty in March 1985 was a stinging rebuke. That is why it was important that she should not be limited to just one constituency. She is campaigning across the country,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.
Earlier today, PM Modi also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s candidature from Rae Bareli and claimed that the Congress leader is seeking another seat due to the fear of defeat in Wayanad.
PM Modi said, “I had already told you that the prince is looking for another seat for himself due to fear of defeat in Wayanad. Now he had to run away from Amethi and choose the Rae Bareli seat.”
“These people go around and tell everyone – Daro Mat! Don’t be afraid! I would say the same thing to them – Daro mat! Bhago mat! don’t be afraid! Do not run!” he added.
Meanwhile, Congress stated that Rae Bareli seat is “not an inheritance but a responsibility”.
“Many people have many opinions on the news of Rahul Gandhi contesting elections from Rae Bareli. Remember, he is an experienced player of politics and chess. The party leadership takes its decisions after much discussion, and as part of a larger strategy,” Jairam said.
“Rae Bareli has been the seat not only of Sonia ji but also of
Indira Gandhi
herself. It is not an inheritance; it is a responsibility and a duty,” he added.
Amethi and Rae Bareli will go to polls on May 20 in the fifth of the seven-phase general election.
