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With Varun Gandhi's decision to decline the BJP's offer, the spotlight shifts to the Congress's strategy for Rae Bareli...
Digital Desk: Varun Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and cousin of Congress stalwarts Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, has declined the BJP's offer to contest the Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, according to sources close to the matter. The decision comes amid speculation that the Congress is considering fielding Priyanka Gandhi from the prestigious constituency.
The offer to Varun Gandhi was reportedly extended by the BJP leadership over a week ago, following his exclusion from the Pilibhit seat. Despite the BJP's hopes for his acceptance, Varun Gandhi took time to deliberate on the proposal before ultimately rejecting it. Sources cited his reluctance to engage in an electoral battle that would likely turn personal and contentious as a key factor in his decision.
While the BJP has refrained from commenting on the matter, Varun Gandhi's familial ties and his mother Maneka Gandhi's past electoral confrontations with the Gandhi family added weight to the party's anticipation of his acceptance. Maneka Gandhi notably contested against Rajiv Gandhi in the 1984 election, albeit unsuccessfully, and has openly criticized the treatment her family received from the Gandhis following Sanjay Gandhi's demise.
Rae Bareli, a constituency long associated with the Gandhi family, has been represented by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the past. With Sonia Gandhi opting for a Rajya Sabha seat this time, the Congress's choice of candidate for Rae Bareli remains uncertain, fueling speculation about Priyanka Gandhi's potential candidacy.
The Congress's grip on Rae Bareli has shown signs of weakening over the years, exacerbated by the defection of key local leaders to the BJP. The declining vote share of the Congress in the constituency, despite successive victories, underscores the challenges faced by the party in retaining its stronghold.
As the political landscape evolves, the contest for Rae Bareli takes on greater significance, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the Gandhi family in Indian politics and the BJP's aspirations to challenge traditional strongholds. With Varun Gandhi's decision to decline the BJP's offer, the spotlight shifts to the Congress's strategy for Rae Bareli and the unfolding dynamics of the electoral battleground in Uttar Pradesh.
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