Image Source: hindustantimes
Rahul Gandhi has chosen to retain his seat from Rae Bareli, while his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will contest from the vacated Wayanad seat. This announcement was made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Regarding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidature, Rahul Gandhi emphasized his ongoing commitment to Wayanad: “You are now going to have two MPs, and I will keep visiting. She will be an excellent representative for the people of Wayanad. The support from Wayanad has given me strength during challenging times,” he stated.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her enthusiasm for representing Wayanad: “I am thrilled to represent Wayanad and will ensure the people do not miss Rahul’s presence. I am committed to working hard and being an effective representative.”
She also highlighted her continued connection with Rae Bareli and Amethi: “My relationship with Rae Bareli and Amethi is longstanding and unbreakable. I will support my brother in Rae Bareli, and we will both remain active in both Rae Bareli and Wayanad.”
Rahul Gandhi won in both Rae Bareli and Wayanad in the recent elections, with significant margins over his competitors.
According to Lok Sabha guidelines, MPs elected from two constituencies must resign from one seat within 14 days of the election results, which were declared on June 4. Gandhi’s office inquired about the resignation process last week.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Chief K Sudhakaran hinted at the possibility of the Wayanad seat becoming vacant, emphasizing Rahul Gandhi’s expected national role.
Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the difficulty in choosing between the two seats, remarking, “It’s been a tough decision as I can’t represent both seats, but I had to make a choice.”
This situation mirrors that of PM Narendra Modi in 2014, when he was elected from both Vadodara and Varanasi and chose to represent Varanasi. In 2019, although Gandhi lost Amethi to BJP’s Smriti Irani, his election from Wayanad ensured his presence in the Lok Sabha.
