A political showdown is on the horizon in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, as the town braces for the convergence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani, heralding the onset of a charged atmosphere preceding the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for 2024.
Scheduled for Monday, February 19, the bustling township of Amethi is poised to witness the simultaneous presence of Rahul Gandhi, leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, and Smriti Irani, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Amethi who clinched victory over Gandhi in the fiercely contested 2019 polls.
This rare convergence marks only the second instance since 2019 that both Gandhi and Irani will find themselves in Amethi simultaneously, with their prior appearances being distinct campaign endeavors during the 2022 assembly polls.
Embarking on her four-day itinerary, Smriti Irani plans to engage extensively with the local populace, commencing with a visit to Tikarmafi village, where she attentively interacted with residents to address their concerns. She subsequently directed officials to expedite redressal measures for the raised grievances. Furthermore, her schedule encompasses visits to various villages within the Bhadar development block, alongside partaking in a housewarming ceremony slated for February 22, fulfilling a pre-election promise to the electorate.
In parallel, Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will make its foray into Amethi on the same day. Anticipated activities include a spirited roadshow and a public address, aimed at galvanizing support for the Congress party ahead of the pivotal electoral contest.
Despite fervent speculation surrounding their converging itineraries, insiders familiar with their agendas conveyed to news agency PTI that the likelihood of a direct confrontation between Gandhi and Irani remains minimal. Both leaders are primarily focused on fostering community engagement and fortifying their respective political footholds within the region.
Rahul Gandhi's tenure as the representative of Amethi in the Lok Sabha spanned 15 years until his defeat by Smriti Irani in the closely contested 2019 electoral battle, an outcome widely regarded as a significant setback for the Congress party given Amethi's enduring association with the Gandhi dynasty.
