The latest update to the thrilling 2024 Lok Sabha saga comes after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi answered questions that many have been asking for a while now: which seat will he assume, and what happens to the other?
Jun 18, 2024
By: ankush.banerjee@timesinternet.in
Credit: BCCL
Everyone knew that Rahul would be a key campaigner for the Indian National Congress (INC) this year. However, things remained uncertain for the other Gandhi scion, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was expected to run as a party candidate in UP’s Amethi or Raebareli constituencies.
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To much surprise and despite her huge following, Priyanka chose not to run for any seat during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Rahul contested two crucial seats: Wayanad in Kerala and Raebareli.
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As per the Representation of the People Act of 1951, individuals can legally contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies. If the candidate wins both seats, they must relinquish one within 14 days, leaving the rejected constituency to host a special bypoll to elect a representative.
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Rahul contested from Amethi and Wayanad in 2019 as well, winning only the latter. Prime Minister Modi also contested from Vadodara and Varanasi in 2014, won both, and chose to continue as MP from Varanasi.
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Rahul Gandhi won both contested seats, and will reportedly hold onto his Raebareli seat this year, leaving Wayanad up for re-election. This time, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to finally enter the Lok Sabha Elections, making her debut as a candidate in the Kerala constituency.
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“I’m not nervous at all, I am very happy to be able to represent Wayanad. I won’t let them feel his [Rahul’s] absence… I have a good relationship with Raebareli as I have worked there for 20 years and that relation will never break.”
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Rahul Gandhi has celebrated an early win, explaining that the people of Wayanad can “think” that they have two MPs. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also wrote that there was “no doubt, no suspicion” that Priyanka would come.
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Meanwhile, the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party has accused Congress of once again indulging in “dynastic politics”. The party’s National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala called Congress a “company of the family”.
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“Mother [Sonia Gandhi] will be in the Rajya Sabha, son [Rahul Gandhi] in the Lok Sabha from one and Priyanka will also be in the Lok Sabha from another seat. This is a symbol of dynasticism.”
Credit: BCCL