In the heartlands of Amethi and Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, victory has long been synonymous with the Gandhi family, solidifying their legacy as traditional Congress strongholds. However, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections dealt a heavy blow to the party, particularly with Rahul Gandhi's surprising loss in Amethi, despite being the Congress alliance's prime ministerial candidate. He secured victory only in Wayanad, Kerala.
Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi emerged victorious in Rae Bareli, but her current health challenges raise doubts about her ability to campaign effectively for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest that she may contest the Rajya Sabha elections instead, potentially paving the way for her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi, to take her place in Rae Bareli.
Priyanka Gandhi has already immersed herself in Uttar Pradesh politics, actively participating in the last assembly elections despite the Congress' defeat in the state. With her focus on revitalizing the party's presence, there's speculation that she will step up to represent Rae Bareli, reinforcing the Congress' commitment to the constituency.
While Sonia Gandhi may transition to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, the Congress is grappling with criticisms from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, especially targeting Rahul Gandhi. To counter this, there's a growing sentiment within the party to project Priyanka Gandhi as a future leader, potentially positioning her as a contender in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, it's essential to note that these plans have not been officially confirmed.