Is Rahul Gandhi evading the challenge, or will he confront it head-on?
READYING THE BATTLEGROUNDWith Rahul Gandhi filing nominations in Wayanad, buzz has intensified within the Congress camp in Amethi.
Expressing emotional attachment, a Congress worker insisted that any candidate other than Rahul Gandhi would shift the battle from Congress versus Smriti Irani to an internal party feud.
Internal surveys of Congress indicate a clear advantage for the party if Rahul Gandhi contests against Smriti Irani in Amethi.
The prevailing sentiment within Congress circles is that politics demands confronting challenges head-on, suggesting Rahul Gandhi may contest from Amethi, regardless of the outcome.
Speculation is rife whether Rahul Gandhi will re-enter the political fray in Amethi, the erstwhile Gandhi bastion, as the Congress keeps its cards close regarding the crucial constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli.
Union Minister and incumbent MP Smriti Irani has repeatedly challenged Rahul Gandhi to take up the Amethi challenge, albeit with a rider that he should not take the support of his INDIA bloc partners.
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The question on everyone's lips: Has the Congress developed cold feet? Is Rahul Gandhi evading the challenge, or will he confront it head-on?
While the Congress leadership remains tight-lipped, political strategists suggest a wait-and-watch approach. However, certain indications hint at the possibility of the Gandhi scion returning to the battleground Amethi.
TIMING THE POLITICAL MASTERSTROKE
Timing plays a crucial role in political manoeuvring. The Congress is expected to announce Amethi candidacy only after polling concludes in Wayanad on April 26, coinciding with the commencement of nominations for Amethi, extending until May 3.
This delay is strategic, considering the significance of local representation in Kerala. A state with high literacy and awareness has often punished MPs who have cut corners in times of need. The Congress clearly doesn’t want the spotlight taken away from Wayanad, which Rahul Gandhi has called his 'family'.
Congress aims to focus on Wayanad, emphasising Rahul Gandhi's connection to the region beyond mere political opportunism. By prioritising Wayanad, the party seeks to garner maximum support, potentially replicating Gandhi's 2019 victory.
READYING THE BATTLEGROUND
With Rahul Gandhi filing nominations in Wayanad, buzz has intensified within the Congress camp in Amethi. The district Congress committee has been restructured to align with local sentiments, while booth-level management is undergoing meticulous organisation.
A reminiscent strategy from 2002-2003, reminiscent of Priyanka Gandhi's micromanagement, is being implemented. Nearly 8680 "Purva Pramukh" officials will oversee outreach efforts across Amethi's 876 villages, with door-to-door campaigns aimed at galvanising grassroots support.
ACROSS THE ENEMY LINES
Earlier, speculations over Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate's potential candidacy in Amethi faced backlash from the party's local unit. Expressing emotional attachment, a Congress worker insisted that any candidate other than Rahul Gandhi would shift the battle from Congress versus Smriti Irani to an internal party feud.
Internal surveys of Congress indicate a clear advantage for the party if Rahul Gandhi contests against Smriti Irani in Amethi.
A Congress leader, on condition of anonymity, told India Today that the internal survey has given the party an 80 per cent chance of victory as people in Amethi were annoyed with the current MP.
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As suspense lingers over Rahul Gandhi's decision, the Congress appears to be strategically biding its time to wear out its political opponent before revealing its trump card in Amethi.
The prevailing sentiment within Congress circles is that politics demands confronting challenges head-on, suggesting Rahul Gandhi may contest from Amethi, regardless of the outcome.
