Congress readies ground for Priyanka Gandhi’s Uttar Pradesh campaign

The Congress party has begun the groundwork to field Priyanka Gandhi as its star candidate in Uttar Pradesh, indicating that she could contest the Lok Sabha elections from the state. In preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA alliance led by the BJP and the Opposition’s INDIA alliance have geared up with full force. This election holds significance for the Congress party since it has been out of power in the state for 10 years. The party is now determined to re-enter the electoral arena with full preparation.
The UP Congress has been deliberating fielding its top leaders for the elections in the state. Recently, the party entrusted Ajay Rai to make significant changes within the party organisation in preparation. Information emerging from within the party suggests that work is underway for Priyanka to contest five seats including Phulpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. Additional seats could include Rae Bareli. Currently, Sonia Gandhi represents Rae Bareli in Parliament, but the party is seeking an alternative due to her health issues. Phulpur was traditionally a stronghold of the Congress. Jawaharlal Nehru chose Phulpur as his parliamentary constituency in the first general elections in 1952 and continued to be elected from here in 1952, 1957, and 1962.
Prayagraj, formerly Allahabad, situated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, is another significant seat from political and religious perspectives. The constituency comprises five assembly segments—Meja, Karchana, Allahabad South, Bara, and Korawan. Lal Bahadur Shastri won from here in 1957 and 1962 on the Congress ticket. Congress continued its winning streak in 1967 and 1971. In 1977, Lok Dal’s Janeshwar Mishra upset the balance.
The Varanasi Lok Sabha seat encompasses five constituencies—Rohania, Varanasi North, Varanasi South, Varanasi Cantt, and Sevapuri. In 16 Lok Sabha elections, Congress has won seven times and BJP six times here. Janata Dal and CPI(M) candidates have also won once each from this seat. The seat has been represented by prominent leaders, including former PM Chandra Shekhar and former Chief Minister of UP Kamalapati Tripathi. Anil Shastri, the son of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, also emerged victorious from this seat. The seat has a significant number of Kurmi voters, followed by Brahmins and Bhumihars. The support of Vaisyas, Yadavs, and Muslims in Varanasi is crucial for winning. The decision about which seat in UP would be the most favourable for Priyanka Gandhi will be determined over time.