New Delhi: Congress party may field its senior leader Rahul Gandhi from Rae Bareli, and a decision in this regard likely to be out by this evening, and Priyanka Gandhi may not contest the Lok Sabha election this time, according to a report.
Speculations had earlier suggested Rahul’s candidacy from Amethi, but it seems the party might instead nominate Sheila Kaul’s grandson for that constituency. Sheila Kaul, who was closely related to Jawaharlal Nehru, held the Rae Bareli seat for five terms and served as a union minister.
The choice of candidate for Rae Bareli is important for the Congress, given its historical stronghold since 1951. Sonia Gandhi, after representing Rae Bareli for four consecutive terms, stepped down to become a Rajya Sabha MP.
However, Priyanka’s reluctance to contest, coupled with BJP’s criticism of the Gandhi family for allegedly abandoning their traditional strongholds, poses a challenge for the party.
The party has to make the announcement as today itself, as the last date for filing nomination for both these seats is May 3, said a party leader.
