Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, a traditional stronghold of the Gandhis, is all set for intense political action as Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani, two bigwigs of the BJP and Congress party, are scheduled to arrive in the town on February 19. Rahul, as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, will be visiting Amethi, while Union Minister Smriti Irani will also be reaching her constituency as part of her four-day tour.
Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra reached Prayayag in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday evening and on Monday he will head to Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency that sent him to Parliament thrice in 2004, 2009, and 2014. On the other hand, Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul in the 2019 poll battle, will also be reaching her constituency as part of her four-day tour.
Notably, the two leaders are unlikely to cross paths during their respective visits to Amethi. This will be the second time after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections that the two leaders will be in the town at the same time. Last time, they were in the city during the 2022 Assembly elections, and both leaders added vigour to the respective parties’ campaigns.
Rahul almost ‘abandoned’ his erstwhile three-time Parliamentary constituency after losing the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This visit is probably his second after 2019. Smriti Irani has been a regular visitor in Amethi, often holding ‘chaupals’ to hear people’s grievances and address their daily problems.
On February 19, Union Minister Smriti Irani will land at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport at around 9 a.m. and will then head to Amethi via road. Her four-day trip will see her holding numerous meets with villagers and city residents. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will reach Amethi via Kohra village at around 3 p.m. The Yatra will assemble at Amethi’s Chowk Bazaar, where Rahul will put garlands on the bust of Mahatma Gandhi as well as Rajiv Gandhi.
Reports suggest that Priyanka will also join Rahul in Amethi, in a bid to amplify and add strength to his footmarch. Amethi has been one of the biggest strongholds of Congress and among the most ‘safe seats’ for Gandhis. With Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani both arriving in Amethi together, this could set the stage for fresh political bickering between the two parties.
The visit of these two prominent leaders to Amethi is likely to draw widespread attention and set the stage for renewed political activity in the area.
–IANS
