'Jijaji ki nazar...': Smriti mocks Rahul, Vadra over Amethi candidacy
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Smriti Irani on Tuesday criticized Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Robert Vadra over the uncertainty surrounding the Congress's Amethi candidate. Amidst rumors of Vadra potentially running for the seat, Irani questioned a local gathering, "If the brother-in-law is eyeing the seat, what will Mr. Gandhi do?" Speaking at an election rally, she claimed that her five-year tenure has been more productive than Gandhi's a decade and a half of service.
Why does this story matter?
Amethi was the bastion of the Congress for 15 years until Irani won it in 2019. Ever since, the Congress has been reluctant to nominate any candidate in the constituency. Prior to Irani's victory, Gandhi held the seat for three consecutive terms. The constituency was also represented by his parents Sonia Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and uncle Sanjay Gandhi. With just 27 days left for the election, the Congress is yet to announce its candidate.
Gandhi will follow party's decision on Amethi candidacy
In response to the uncertainty over his candidacy in Amethi, Gandhi had said that he would follow the party's decision. Gandhi is contesting from Wayanad, which will vote on April 26. The deadline for filing nomination from Amethi is May 3. This implies that Gandhi can announce his nomination after the polling in Wayanad. Vadra had also hinted at running for the Amethi seat, suggesting that it would give voters a chance to "correct their mistake of electing Smritiji."
Irani accuses Gandhi of neglecting Amethi residents
Meanwhile, Irani has accused Gandhi of neglecting the issues of Amethi in Parliament and frequently missing sessions when he was the MP. She pointed out that despite his long tenure, basic amenities like drinking water remained a challenge for the constituents. "Rahul Gandhi will come here to tell everyone that Amethi is his family...stoke the fire of casteism," she said. Her campaign in Amethi, now in its fifth day, is focused on securing her re-election on a BJP ticket.
'Congress Sahabzade will lose', PM Modi
Seperately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jab at Gandhi, saying that in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, "Congress sahabzade" will lose from Wayanad constituency in Kerala after his loss in Amethi. He said Gandhi would need to find a safer seat after the Lok Sabha elections during a rally in Nanded, Maharashtra. The PM also claimed that early indications from the Lok Sabha polls showed a voting trend heavily favoring the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
