In a significant upset, the former Congress president faced defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Amethi against the BJP’s Smriti Irani.
The recently appointed Congress chief for Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Rai, asserted on Friday that Rahul Gandhi is set to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Amethi constituency.
Addressing questions from journalists regarding Gandhi’s potential contest from the previous Congress stronghold in UP, Rai stated, “Without a doubt, Rahul Gandhi will contest the upcoming election from Amethi. The residents of Amethi are keen on this.”
Responding to a query about Priyanka Gandhi’s possible candidacy in Varanasi, Rai remarked, “Should Priyanka Gandhi express her desire to contest from Varanasi, each and every member of our party will put forth their utmost effort to ensure her victory.”
In the context of BJP’s Smriti Irani’s remark about Rahul Gandhi refraining from contesting elections in Amethi and evading the challenge, Ajay Rai dismissed the assertion and labeled Smriti Irani herself as “perturbed.”
“She is evidently rattled. Remember, she promised sugar at ₹13 per kg, but has she been able to fulfill that commitment? The people of Amethi are here today seeking answers. Ask Smriti Irani what happened to her pledge of providing sugar at ₹13 per kg in exchange for votes for the BJP. The public demands accountability,” Ajay Rai declared during his interaction with the press.
Ajay Rai appointed UP Congress chief
On Thursday, the Congress party announced the immediate appointment of Ajay Rai, a former MLA, as the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.
In an official statement, the party conveyed its gratitude for the efforts made by the departing PCC President Brijlal Khabri, a former MP, as well as all the zonal Presidents.
Ajay Rai had contested the Varanasi seat against PM Modi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Despite his substantial loss to PM Modi by a significant margin, Rai managed to secure only a 14 percent portion of the overall votes.
Notably, Brijlal Khabri will hold the distinction of having the briefest tenure as UPCC President, having served for just 10 months.