Union minister Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in his stronghold of Amethi in 2019, mocked the Congress party for its delay in naming a candidate for the constituency. Smriti Irani filed her nomination today and is set to defend the seat in Uttar Pradesh. She stated that no matter whom Congress chooses to field, the candidate will face defeat.
Speculation has been high about the Congress candidates for Amethi and Raebareli, both of which were recently vacated by Sonia Gandhi as she transitioned to the Rajya Sabha. The speculation has increased since the Kerala election on April 26, as Rahul Gandhi’s constituency Wayanad is located in the state, and it was believed the Congress would announce its candidates after the Kerala polls concluded.
Some Congress insiders anticipate Rahul Gandhi may attempt to reclaim Amethi, while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could run for the Raebareli seat. Others speculate the party might switch the constituencies.
When asked whom she would prefer as an opponent between Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Smriti Irani responded, “I couldn’t care less. Whomever they choose will be defeated because both have been absentee politicians in the area. One has been absent as an MP for 15 years. I have worked for five years, including two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Irani discussed the struggles faced by the constituency during the pandemic, pointing out the Gandhis’ absence when the area needed help. “People know if it weren’t for Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to provide free rations, many would have struggled more,” she noted.
She emphasized that the public recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s role in ensuring the availability of three vaccines to everyone, which helped them during the pandemic.
