The Congress party, gearing up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, has unveiled its first list of candidates. Let’s delve into the key highlights and notable decisions made by the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC).
Notable Candidates and Constituencies
- Bhupesh Baghel from Chhattisgarh: Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will contest from Rajnandgaon constituency, representing the Congress in the electoral battle.
- Rahul Gandhi in Kerala: Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi will once again vie for the Wayanad seat in Kerala, reinforcing his commitment to the constituency.
- Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is set to contest from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, aiming to secure another term.
Rahul Gandhi’s Candidacy
Despite speculation, Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy for the Amethi constituency remains uncertain. However, his participation from Wayanad in Kerala is confirmed, reflecting the party’s strategic electoral moves.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Political Debut
The potential entry of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra into the electoral fray remains uncertain. While there are strong sentiments within the party advocating for her candidacy in Raebareli, no official decision has been reached yet.
State-wise Candidate Selection
- Chhattisgarh: Apart from Bhupesh Baghel, other potential candidates include Tamradhwaj Sahu, Jyotsna Mahant, and Shiv Dehariya for various constituencies in the state.
- Karnataka: Discussions are ongoing for finalizing candidates for 4-5 seats, with the Gulbarga seat yet to be decided. Radhakrishna Doddamani is a frontrunner for the ticket, according to reports.
- Delhi: The Congress unit in Delhi has submitted a list of potential candidates for the seven Lok Sabha seats. Names like JP Agrawal, Sandeep Dikshit, and Alka Lamba are under consideration for the Chandni Chowk seat, while others like Arvinder Singh Lovely and Anil Chowdhary are in the fray for Northeast Delhi.
Party Dynamics and Decision-making
The CEC meeting, attended by senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, witnessed deliberations on crucial candidacies. Despite expectations, Rahul Gandhi did not join the meeting virtually, adding to the anticipation surrounding his candidacy.