Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s candidature from Rae Bareli is part of a larger strategy and Union Minister Smriti Irani’s political relevance over, party’s Communications Secretary Jairam Ramesh said.
Ramesh tweeted, “Many people have many opinions on the news of @RahulGandhi contesting elections from Rae Bareli. Remember, he is an experienced player of politics and chess. The party leadership takes its decisions after much discussion, and as part of a larger strategy.”
Saying the decision has befuddled the BJP, Ramesh said, “Rae Bareli has been the seat not only of Sonia ji but also of Indira Gandhi herself. It is not an inheritance; it is a responsibility and a duty.” He added, “As far as the Gandhi family is concerned, it is not just Amethi-Rae Bareli, the entire country from north to south is the stronghold of the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi has been MP thrice from Uttar Pradesh and once from Kerala. Why has the Prime Minister been unable to muster the courage to contest an election from a single seat below the Vindhyas? “
The Congress leader said, “Today, Smriti Irani’s only identity is that she contests elections from Amethi against Rahul Gandhi. Now, her political relevance is over. Instead of making meaningless statements, Smriti Irani will now have to answer about local development: closed hospitals, steel plants and IIITs,” Ramesh said. “This is a long election. There are a few chess moves still left to play. Let’s wait for a bit,” he said.