In a surprising turn of events, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are reportedly considering a shift to Karnataka, fuelling speculations about their political strategies.
Sources reveal that the state Congress leaders are contemplating sending Sonia Gandhi to the Rajya Sabha, while there are rumours circulating about Rahul Gandhi contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the southern state.
Sonia Gandhi, who previously contested from Bellary and served in the Lok Sabha, is facing health challenges that may hinder her participation in the forthcoming elections.
Consequently, state Congress leaders have allegedly persuaded her to opt for a Rajya Sabha seat from Karnataka. The move comes in light of four Rajya Sabha seats from the state becoming vacant in April 2024, with Congress eyeing three of them currently held by Dr. L. Hanumantiah, Nasir Hussain, and GC Chandrasekhar.
The historical precedent of leaders from other states representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha has been highlighted, pointing out instances like Union Minister Nirmala Sitharam and Venkaiah Naidu. This development is portrayed as part of a larger trend where leaders from different regions contribute to the state’s representation in the upper house.
Congress, aiming to strengthen its foothold in South India, believes that sending Sonia Gandhi to the Rajya Sabha and having Rahul Gandhi contest the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka would bolster the party’s influence in the region. The party currently holds only one seat in the state, with DK Suresh representing Bangalore Rural Loksabha Constituency.
However, there are rumours that DK Suresh may not contest from there this time, leaving the constituency potentially available for Rahul Gandhi.
The move seems strategic, considering the challenges faced by Congress in North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi faced defeats in the last election.
With Sonia Gandhi choosing not to contest the Lok Sabha elections this time, the focus is shifting towards Karnataka, where the Congress leaders believe Rahul Gandhi stands a better chance of success.
As the political landscape unfolds, all eyes are on Karnataka, waiting to see if these potential moves by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi will reshape the political dynamics in South India and give Congress a renewed vigour in the upcoming elections.