New Delhi: The Congress Party’s decision to have Rahul Gandhi retain Raebareli while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contests from Kerala’s Wayanad is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in both the north and south, laying the groundwork for future elections.
Raebareli, a long-standing Gandhi family stronghold in Uttar Pradesh, has been represented by Rahul Gandhi’s mother, Sonia Gandhi, for many years. The other stronghold, Amethi, was recently reclaimed from the BJP by Gandhi family loyalist KL Sharma, restoring a crucial base for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh.
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Together with its ally, Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, which won 37 seats, the combined tally of 43 seats has reduced the BJP’s dominance in the state.Party insiders suggest that the next step is to mount a strong challenge against the Yogi Adityanath government in 2027. Rahul Gandhi’s presence in Raebareli has implications beyond Uttar Pradesh, as the Congress looks to expand its influence in the Hindi-speaking regions of the north.
In the south, the Congress already governs three states and recently won assembly elections in Karnataka and Telangana. It also rules Tamil Nadu in alliance with MK Stalin’s DMK. The next target is Kerala, a state that typically alternates between the Congress and the Left every five years. However, in 2021, the Left retained power for a second term. The Congress is now banking on anti-incumbency to swing the state back in its favor in 2026.
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Having a Gandhi family member in Wayanad is expected to significantly benefit the party. Rahul Gandhi’s recent election win in Wayanad has revitalized the Congress in Kerala. Out of the 20 seats in the state, the Congress secured 14, despite a strong BJP campaign that managed to secure one seat.
The Kerala Congress has shown enthusiasm for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidacy, with senior leader KC Venugopal appearing with party president Mallikarjun Kharge at the press conference announcing her debut.
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Both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi emphasized their commitment to their respective constituencies. “You are now going to have two MPs, I will keep visiting,” Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Wayanad. Priyanka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing her long-standing relationship with Raebareli and her commitment to Wayanad.
“I will work hard and do my best to make everyone in Wayanad happy, striving to be a good representative,” she added.
