Congress finalizes 40 Lok Sabha poll candidates, including Rahul Gandhi.
According to sources, Rahul Gandhi will seek re-election from Kerala’s Wayanad seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. This decision comes after his successful 2019 victory from the constituency. Gandhi’s presence in Wayanad signifies Congress’ aim to strengthen its base in the southern state, a key battleground for the party.
The Congress’ Central Election Committee (CEC) has reportedly finalized 40 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, including Rahul Gandhi from Kerala’s Wayanad. This decision, made on Thursday, reflects the party’s strategic planning as it aims to secure key seats across India, with Gandhi’s candidature in Wayanad being a significant move.
The Congress’ Central Election Committee (CEC), chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, recently held discussions on the allocation of 60 Lok Sabha seats across 11 states and union territories. Among these, notable deliberations focused on key battlegrounds such as Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Lakshwadeep.
In Kerala, where the Congress aims to make significant gains, it was decided that the party would contest 16 seats, with four seats allocated to its allies in the state. V D Satheesan, Congress’ legislature party leader, confirmed this decision, highlighting that the CEC has finalized the candidates for the 16 seats. The official announcement of these candidates is expected to be made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) tomorrow.
A key focus of the discussions was Rahul Gandhi’s re-election bid from Kerala’s Wayanad constituency. This move underscores the party’s strategy to consolidate its position in the southern state, with Gandhi’s previous victory in 2019 providing a strong foundation for this decision.
Regarding Delhi, Congress’ in-charge Deepak Babaria shared insights into the preliminary discussions. The party plans to contest three seats in Delhi, while its ally, the INDIA bloc AAP, will contest the remaining four seats. Babaria mentioned that further discussions on the Delhi seats are scheduled for March 11, indicating the party’s meticulous planning for the national capital.
In Chhattisgarh, the Congress is gearing up with seasoned leaders as candidates. Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel is set to contest from Rajnandgaon, a constituency crucial for the party’s prospects in the state. Another experienced figure, former minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, will be fighting from Mahasamund, reflecting the party’s emphasis on fielding strong contenders in key constituencies.
Additionally, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal is among the finalised candidates, as per the sources. This demonstrates the party’s focus on combining seasoned leaders with new faces, aiming to present a balanced and formidable line-up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The recent CEC meeting signifies Congress’ proactive approach towards the upcoming polls, strategically allocating candidates in crucial states and constituencies. With a blend of experienced stalwarts and promising leaders, the party aims to present a strong challenge to its opponents, emphasizing its commitment to securing a significant presence in the Lok Sabha and contributing to the country’s political landscape.
In the recent deliberations of the Congress’ Central Election Committee (CEC), it was noted that former Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister T S Singhdeo will not be contesting the upcoming polls, as per sources. Singhdeo’s absence from the candidate list marks a significant development, considering his prominence in Chhattisgarh politics.
The CEC meeting, chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, saw the presence of stalwarts such as former party chief Sonia Gandhi, K C Venugopal, and other senior leaders. The discussions were focused on finalizing candidates for the 60 Lok Sabha seats across 11 states and union territories.
Interestingly, the Congress has not yet officially declared any candidates for the upcoming elections. This strategic move suggests that the party is carefully evaluating its options and making informed decisions to field the most suitable candidates in various constituencies.
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already taken a decisive step by releasing its first list of candidates. The BJP’s list includes 195 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, indicating a proactive approach to the electoral battle ahead.
Singhdeo’s decision to not contest the polls adds a layer of intrigue to the Congress’ candidate selection process, particularly in Chhattisgarh where his role has been significant. It also reflects the party’s evolving strategy as it navigates the electoral landscape.
The presence of key leaders like Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Venugopal in the CEC meeting underscores the importance of these discussions. Their experience and insights are instrumental in shaping the party’s approach and candidate selection process.
As the Congress prepares to announce its candidates soon, the absence of Singhdeo from the list highlights the emergence of new faces and the party’s efforts to bring a fresh perspective to its electoral campaign. This move could potentially signal a shift in focus or a realignment of strategies in Chhattisgarh politics.
With the BJP setting the pace with its candidate list, the Congress is expected to follow suit shortly. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections promise to be a closely contested affair, with both parties strategizing and mobilizing their resources to secure crucial seats across the country.
The absence of T S Singhdeo from the Congress’ candidate list marks a notable development, hinting at a recalibration of the party’s electoral tactics. As the political landscape evolves, the coming days will unveil the final lineup of candidates as both the Congress and the BJP gear up for a spirited electoral battle.
The Congress is preparing to announce its first list of candidates soon. Rahul Gandhi might contest from Amethi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Rae Bareli, both Gandhi family bastions.