he Congress’s 11th-hour, early-morning decision on Amethi and Raebareli contained a big twist. Rahul Gandhi, who was expected to make an all-out bid to win back Amethi, has been announced as the party candidate from Raebareli, the seat vacated recently by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to Rajya Sabha.
In Amethi, the family bastion which defected to the BJP five years ago, the Congress will be represented by Kishori Lal Sharma, a longtime loyalist of the Gandhi family. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could not be convinced to contest from Raebareli — which she had nursed for over a decade on her mother’s behalf.
The Congress decision was announced on Friday after weeks of suspense.
Both candidates will file their papers today — the last day for filing nominations for the fifth phase of election on May 20.
Rahul Gandhi will be filing his nomination later in the day from Raebareli. Sources say Rahul Gandhi will also hold a roadshow before filing his nomination papers.
Soon after the candidates were announced for both prestigious seats, Ms Vadra congratulated KL Sharma and said his “loyalty and dedication” will help him win the election.
