In a surprising turn of events, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi has reportedly rejected an offer from his party to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, according to sources close to the matter.
Speculations were rife that Varun Gandhi, cousin of Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, was being considered by the BJP to contest from Rae Bareli, a stronghold traditionally held by the Gandhi family. The proposal came amidst media reports suggesting that the Congress is contemplating fielding Priyanka Gandhi from the prestigious seat.
Sources revealed that Varun Gandhi had been contemplating the offer for over a week before ultimately declining it. The BJP had approached him after he was dropped from his Pilibhit seat, with the Uttar Pradesh BJP also reportedly supporting the idea.
When approached for comment, BJP officials remained tight-lipped about the development. BJP’s UP Vice President Vijay Bahadur Pathak stated he was not authorized to speak on the matter, while a BJP spokesperson declined to comment, requesting anonymity.
One of the reasons behind the BJP’s optimism regarding Varun Gandhi’s acceptance was his family’s history in Rae Bareli. Varun’s mother, Maneka Gandhi, had previously contested against Rajiv Gandhi in the 1984 elections, albeit unsuccessfully, alleging mistreatment by the Gandhi family after the demise of Varun’s father, Sanjay Gandhi.
Rae Bareli, previously represented by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, fell vacant after she chose to enter Parliament through the Rajya Sabha route this time. The seat holds significance as it was also won by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her husband Feroze Gandhi in the past.
Despite being a Congress stronghold, Rae Bareli has witnessed a decline in the party’s vote share over the years. The defection of prominent local leaders to other parties, including the BJP, has further compounded the Congress’s worries.
With the Congress yet to announce its candidates for Rae Bareli and Amethi, party President Mallikarjun Kharge hinted at a “surprise” in store for both seats. Speculations abound that Priyanka Gandhi might be favored to contest from Rae Bareli, a move hinted at by senior Congressman AK Antony as well.
