Though the congress is holding its cards tight in relation to the important constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli, there is much speculation as to whether rahul gandhi would return to the political ring in Amethi, the former gandhi stronghold. Smriti Irani, a Union minister and current Member of parliament, has consistently urged rahul gandhi to accept the Amethi challenge, but with the caveat that he shouldn't accept the backing of his india bloc allies.
 
Everyone's burning question: Has the congress become cold? Will rahul gandhi accept the challenge or will he sidestep it? While the leadership of congress has remained silent, political analysts advise waiting it out. Still, certain signs point to the gandhi scion's potential return to Amethi, the scene of the conflict.
 
TIMING THE POLITICAL MASTERSTROKE
A key component of political manoeuvring is timing. The congress is not anticipated to declare Amethi's candidature until after wayanad polling ends on april 26, which is also when Amethi nominations open and run until May 3.
 
Considering the importance of local representation in Kerala, this delay is calculated. A highly literate and conscious state has penalised members of parliament for taking short cuts when necessary. The congress obviously does not want wayanad, which rahul gandhi has referred to as his "family," to lose any more of its prominence.

With a focus on wayanad, congress hopes to highlight rahul Gandhi's ties to the area that go beyond simple political expediency. The party hopes to replicate Gandhi's 2019 triumph by gaining as much support as possible by giving wayanad top priority.
 
READYING THE BATTLEGROUND
The congress camp in Amethi has been buzzing since rahul gandhi filed nominations in Wayanad. The district congress committee has been reorganised to better reflect local opinions, and careful planning is being done for booth-level administration.
 
An approach that is reminiscent of priyanka Gandhi's micromanagement from 2002–2003 is being used. The 876 villages of Amethi will be the focus of outreach operations overseen by about 8680 "Purva Pramukh" officials, who will conduct door-to-door campaigns to mobilise community support.
 


 
 
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G GOWTHAM

10/04/2024 11:21 AM