Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has decided to retain Raebareli Lok Sabha seat, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said in a press conference on Monday. Gandhi’s sister Priyanka Vadra will contest from Wayanad. The announcement came after the top leadership of Congress held a high-level meeting at Kharge’s residence.
As per PTI reports, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge informed the reporters about the vacancy of one of the seats that are won by Rahul Gandhi. He said, “Rahul Gandhi won from two Lok Saba seats but as per the law, he has to vacate one. Rahul Gandhi will retain Rae Bareli and we have decided that Priyanka ji will fight from Wayanad.”
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, along with Rahul Gandhi and party general secretaries K. C. Venugopal and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, participated in the discussions. Following the deliberations, Rahul Gandhi announced that both Rae Bareli and Wayanad “will get two MPs.”
Rahul Gandhi, who secured victories in both the Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies, was required to vacate one of the seats within 14 days of the Lok Sabha results, which were declared on June 4.
“I won’t let the people of Wayanad feel Rahul’s absence,” stated Priyanka Gandhi, reassuring the constituents of Wayanad about continued support despite Rahul Gandhi vacating one of his seats.