Congress Strategizes with Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Contest Wayanad

Rae Bareli/Wayanad, 18th June 2024: The Congress’ decision for Rahul Gandhi to retain Raebareli and for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to contest from his vacated seat in Wayanad, Kerala, is viewed as a well-thought-out strategic move by the party. This move is anticipated to establish a solid presence for the Congress in both northern and southern India, crucial groundwork for upcoming elections.

Raebareli, historically one of the strongholds of the Gandhi family in Uttar Pradesh and long represented by Sonia Gandhi, along with Amethi reclaimed by loyalist KL Sharma, reinstates a firm base for the Congress in the state.

With upcoming elections scheduled in early 2027 in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress aims to expand its influence beyond its recent gains from the Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, the party won just one seat in Raebareli, but in the latest elections, secured six seats. Together with its ally in the state, Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, they hold a combined 43 seats, which has curtailed the BJP to 33 seats in what was considered its stronghold for the past decade.

Looking ahead, party insiders suggest a focused campaign targeting the Yogi Adityanath government in the 2027 elections.

Beyond Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi’s decision to remain in Raebareli carries broader implications. With the Congress nearly doubling its Lok Sabha seats from 52 in 2019 to 99, sustaining this growth trajectory necessitates expanding its footprint in the Hindi-speaking belt of northern India.

In contrast, the Congress already governs three southern states, having secured victories in Karnataka and Telangana’s recent assembly elections and ruling Tamil Nadu in coalition with MK Stalin’s DMK.

The party’s next objective is Kerala, traditionally alternating power between the Congress and the Left until the Left secured a consecutive term in 2021. The Congress aims to capitalize on potential anti-incumbency sentiments in the state for the 2026 elections.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidacy in Wayanad, a traditional Congress stronghold, is expected to significantly bolster the party’s prospects. Despite a vigorous BJP campaign that secured one seat, the Congress retained 14 out of Kerala’s 20 seats in the last elections.

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal’s presence alongside Kharge during the press conference announcing Gandhi Vadra’s debut underscores Kerala Congress’s enthusiasm for the new candidate.

Emphasizing their commitment to both states, Rahul Gandhi affirmed, “You will now have two MPs, and I will continue to visit,” while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra assured, “Both Wayanad and Raebareli will have two MPs each,” highlighting her longstanding association with Raebareli. Regarding Wayanad, she pledged, “I will work diligently to represent the people’s interests and ensure they do not feel the absence of Rahul Gandhi.”

These statements affirm the Congress’ strategic move to consolidate its presence in both northern and southern India ahead of crucial electoral battles.