"My Opponent is Priyanka Vadra: Smriti Irani's Strategy Revealed!"

'My opponent is Priyanka Vadra': Smriti Irani on battle for Amethi Lok Sabha seat

The Congress has chosen Kishori Lal Sharma, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, to contest against Smriti Irani for the traditional Amethi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. However, according to Union Minister Smriti Irani, her "opponent" is Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress general secretary.

"I do not want to engage in immature politics," stated the incumbent Amethi MP when questioned about Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest from Rae Bareli instead of his former constituency and his sister's absence despite much speculation.

"My opponent is Priyanka Vadra, who is operating from behind the scenes. At least the brother was upfront. In 2014, Rahul won by a margin of 1.07 lakh votes," Irani added.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been actively campaigning for both seats, which are closely associated with the Gandhis. Amethi and Rae Bareli have historically been represented by members of the Gandhi family or their close associates. Sonia Gandhi, the siblings' mother, previously represented Amethi and won five consecutive elections from Rae Bareli. Rahul Gandhi began his political career in Amethi in 2004, winning two additional terms before being defeated by Irani in 2019. However, Rahul also contested and won from Kerala's Wayanad, retaining his status as a Member of Parliament.

In the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Rahul contested from Wayanad and later from Rae Bareli, which Sonia Gandhi vacated in February. Meanwhile, Sharma was named as Irani's opponent in Amethi.

Both constituencies are scheduled to vote in the fifth phase on May 20. In Rae Bareli, the BJP has nominated Uttar Pradesh minister Dinesh Pratap Singh as its candidate, who previously contested against Sonia Gandhi in 2019, reducing the victory margin significantly.