Displaying confidence after the Congress decided not to field Rahul Gandhi against her in Amethi, Union Minister Smriti Irani remarked that this move indicated the Congress conceding the 79th out of Uttar Pradesh’s 80 Lok Sabha seats to the BJP.
She expressed belief in her party’s potential to sweep the state. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Irani highlighted her pride in defeating the Gandhi family in 2019, stating, “an ordinary BJP worker had sent the Gandhi family packing.” She noted that Raebareli, the seat Rahul Gandhi would contest from instead, was the only seat won by the Congress in Uttar Pradesh in 2019.
Regarding the day’s developments, Irani emphasized, “I think the Congress nomination and the entire Gandhi family backing out from a battle in Amethi is significant because, as far as I am concerned, it is the proclamation of defeat of the Congress party from Amethi.”
Commenting on Kishori Lal Sharma, a Gandhi family loyalist who received the ticket instead, and the Congress’ claim of promoting a grassroots worker, Irani suggested that seasoned individuals could discern when they are being misled. She asserted, “If there was an iota of chance of the Gandhi family winning, they would have fought the battle here in Amethi.”
Asked if she would have preferred Rahul Gandhi to contest, Irani highlighted her historic victory over him in 2019, stating, “This is not the first time Mr. Rahul Gandhi has run away from Amethi. He had run away in 2019 as well.” She noted that while Gandhi sought comfort in Wayanad last time, this time he chose not to contest at all, making it the second time he shied away from a battle in Amethi.
Also Read, Congress Announces Rahul Gandhi to Contest from Raebareli, KL Sharma from Amethi
