The Congress has clarified that the candidates for the Amethi and Raebareli seats will be announced within the next 24-30 hours, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge making the final decision as directed by the Central Election Committee (CEC).
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, emphasized that any information circulating prior to the official announcement should be disregarded as false. This statement comes amidst speculation that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might be fielded in the Amethi and Raebareli constituencies respectively, which are considered strongholds of the Gandhi family.
The BJP has criticized the delay in announcing Congress candidates for these seats, insinuating that it reflects fear within the Congress party. However, Ramesh dismissed these allegations, asserting that discussions are ongoing and there is no delay, as the deadline for candidate announcements is May 3.
While Rahul Gandhi, who lost the Amethi seat in the 2019 elections, is speculated to contest from there again, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is being urged by Congress workers to run from Raebareli, previously represented by Sonia Gandhi.
With the election date for Amethi and Raebareli set for May 20, the Congress is expected to finalize its candidates soon, keeping in mind the significance of these constituencies and the party's electoral strategy.
