In a strategic move, Rahul Gandhi, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family and former MP from Amethi, is set to contest from both his old constituency and the Congress stronghold of Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. The announcement came after extensive deliberations within the Congress party and was officially confirmed on Friday morning.

Rahul Gandhi also revealed the candidate's name for his former constituency of Amethi, nominating Kishori Lal Sharma, a member of the Gandhi family, for the upcoming elections. The fifth phase of voting is scheduled to take place in both Amethi and Rae Bareli, prompting Rahul and Kishori Lal to expedite their nomination processes on the day of the candidate's announcement.

Facing BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi and Uttar Pradesh Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh in Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi is determined to reclaim his political ground. Despite losing his seat to Smriti Irani in the last Lok Sabha elections, Rahul's decision to contest from both Amethi and Rae Bareli underscores his commitment to the region and its constituents.

Rae Bareli, a traditional Congress stronghold since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, has been a bastion of the Nehru-Gandhi family for decades. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have both secured victories from this constituency multiple times, solidifying its status as a Congress fortress. Given this historical context, many political observers view Rae Bareli as a 'safe' bet for Rahul Gandhi.

In the last Lok Sabha elections, Rahul contested from both Amethi and Wayanad in Kerala, securing victory in the latter but facing defeat in his traditional stronghold of Amethi. With the upcoming elections, Rahul's decision to contest from both Amethi and Rae Bareli reflects his determination to reclaim lost ground and reaffirm the Congress party's presence in Uttar Pradesh.

The decision to field Rahul Gandhi in Rae Bareli also carries significant symbolic value, sending a message of resilience and commitment to the Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Rahul's dual candidacy underscores the party's resolve to confront the electoral challenges ahead.