Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Robert Vadra hints at political entry, amid uncertainty over Congress's Amethi candidate

A file photo of Robert Vadra with Priyanka Gandhi.

Amid widespread speculation surrounding businessman Robert Vadra's potential entry into politics from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi, Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law has once again hinted at his aspirations for a political career. Vadra told a news agency that the residents of Amethi believe that if he contests from the constituency, they will have the opportunity to "correct their mistake" of electing Smriti Irani.

In an interview with IANS, Vadra said, "I am not only receiving support from party workers across the country to actively engage in politics, but the focus on Amethi has also intensified due to my consistent involvement in campaigning there since 1999."

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He added, "The people of Amethi believe that if I contest from there, they will have the chance to rectify their previous decision in electing Smritiji. I am confident they will ensure my victory by a significant margin if I decide to contest. However, I am not entering the fray to challenge anyone, despite Smritiji levelling baseless allegations against me in the past."

Vadra, however, emphasised that he would extend his full support to his brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi should he decide to file his nomination from the Amethi seat.

Vadra said that if Rahul Gandhi decides to contest from Amethi again after Wayanad, he would extend his complete support and accompany him during his campaigns. Additionally, he highlighted that active involvement in politics isn't necessary for him to engage with the people, as they are aware they can approach him if Rahul or Priyanka Gandhi are unavailable.

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Amethi is slated to vote on May 20 in the fifth phase of polling, alongside constituencies such as UP’s Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, and Gonda.

Traditionally, both Amethi and Rae Bareli have been bastions of the Gandhi family. However, in the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi lost his seat to Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani.

In contrast, Rae Bareli has been represented in the Lok Sabha by Sonia Gandhi since 2004. However, the former Congress president has transitioned to the Rajya Sabha. Avinash Pandey, Congress Uttar Pradesh in-charge, declared on April 8 that the candidates for both constituencies will be revealed at an "appropriate time."

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Speculation is rife that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Sonia Gandhi and wife of Robert Vadra, may be offered the Congress nomination from Rae Bareli. However, Priyanka Gandhi has not yet revealed her intentions regarding contesting in the polls.