Why did Rahul Gandhi decide to contest from Rae Bareli? Was it a pivotal move in the Congress party’s strategy?

RAHUL GANDHI’S decision to contest from his mother’s constituency, Rae Bareli, marks a significant step forward for the Congress party. It follows his successful ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ covering 4080 km (2540 miles) across 15 states, a move that helped shed the ‘Pappu’ tag and reposition him in the political landscape.

This choice serves dual purposes for Rahul Gandhi. Firstly, it maintains the family’s connection with the people of Rae Bareli, especially since Sonia Gandhi’s entry into the Rajya Sabha has shifted her focus away from active politics. Secondly, it’s a strategic step towards the long-term plan of rejuvenating the party in Uttar Pradesh, a critical state for Congress’s national ambitions.

Senior Congress leaders also view Rahul’s decision from another angle. It deprives Smriti Irani of the privilege of contesting against a member of the Gandhi family, which had given her a significant advantage in BJP circles. Now, her victory won’t receive the same media attention as before, leveling the playing field with other Lok Sabha constituencies.

Political observers note the careful consideration given to the constituency selection, especially when limited to Amethi or Rae Bareli after Rahul’s commitment to Wayanad in Kerala.

By choosing Rae Bareli, Rahul has neutralized Smriti Irani’s potential advantage of accusing him of being a dynast, thereby disrupting her media narrative. Kishori Lal Sharma, a seasoned party worker, stands against Irani, offering a potential upset victory.

Moreover, Rahul’s candidacy reinforces his mother’s legacy, serving as a morale booster for party leaders and workers. At 53, Rahul has time on his side compared to Modi’s 73, potentially giving him a longer political horizon. This move could also be part of a larger strategy to maintain focus on Uttar Pradesh, which holds 80 crucial parliamentary seats.

There’s speculation that if Rahul wins both constituencies, he may retain Wayanad, paving the way for his sister Priyanka to contest from Amethi. However, this could open them up to attacks from BJP regarding dynasty politics in parliament. Rahul’s previous victories in Amethi in 2004 and 2009 indicate his familiarity with the constituency’s people and issues.

Against the backdrop of Rahul Gandhi’s recent moves, it’s crucial to delve into the foundation of his future strategy, largely shaped by the success of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. This journey was instrumental in shedding the ‘Pappu’ image, which Rahul attributed to BJP’s handiwork.

Senior Congress leaders in Delhi even suggest it was the brainchild of the late Arun Jaitley, setting Rahul back at least two decades. However, the Yatra offered him a golden opportunity to break free from this label through his relentless campaign, interacting with people from all walks of life.

During the 145-day, 4260 km foot journey, Rahul connected with men, women, and youth, showcasing his resilience in fighting against adversity. He seized the chance to explain to the public that he was a victim of a BJP conspiracy, spending hundreds of crores to tarnish his image in the media. This emotional connection with the common people was crucial.

However, the Yatra ended when elections were announced, and Rahul became part of the Congress team involved in seat-sharing decisions with alliance partners, as well as ticket allotment.

One of the most significant insights from Rahul’s continuous journey is the harsh reality of the ongoing decline of his party, particularly evident from the departure of potential young leaders from the Grand Old Party. This presents a major challenge to his leadership in the future.

A strong performance in parliamentary polls could reinforce his determination to lead the party towards recovery. However, a poor showing would not only be a setback but also prolong the wait for any significant turnaround in the party’s fortunes.

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