In a surprising twist, the Congress party made an 11th-hour decision regarding the key constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli. Rahul Gandhi, initially expected to reclaim Amethi, has been named as the candidate from Raebareli. This seat was recently vacated by his mother, Sonia Gandhi, upon her move to the Rajya Sabha.

Amethi, a longstanding family stronghold that shifted to the BJP five years ago, will now see Kishori Lal Sharma, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, as the Congress candidate. Despite efforts, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declined to contest from Raebareli, a constituency she had nurtured on behalf of her mother for over a decade.

The Congress's decision, shrouded in suspense for weeks, was unveiled on Friday. Both candidates will file their nominations today, the final day for submissions for the fifth phase of elections on May 20.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to file his nomination from Raebareli later today, preceding it with a roadshow. Following the candidate announcements for both prestigious seats, Ms. Vadra praised KL Sharma's dedication and expressed confidence in his success.

However, concerns arise regarding the impact of Rahul Gandhi's seat switch, particularly in Amethi, where Union Minister Smriti Irani clinched victory in 2019. Irani is geared to defend her seat and has suggested that Congress's delay signifies apprehension about her imminent win.

Ms. Vadra's decision not to contest adds to the party's challenges, potentially fostering a negative perception that could influence nationwide election outcomes. Congress leaders speculate on the impact of dynastic allegations, especially with Sonia Gandhi in the Rajya Sabha and Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad, Kerala.

The prospect of victories in both Raebareli and Wayanad presents a dilemma, as Mr. Gandhi would need to vacate one seat. While Raebareli holds historical significance, Wayanad symbolizes Congress's strength. This decision, though postponed, looms as a future challenge for the party amidst ongoing electoral battles.

In a surprising twist, the Congress party made an 11th-hour decision regarding the key constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli. Rahul Gandhi, initially expected to reclaim Amethi, has been named as the candidate from Raebareli. This seat was recently vacated by his mother, Sonia Gandhi, upon her move to the Rajya Sabha.

Amethi, a longstanding family stronghold that shifted to the BJP five years ago, will now see Kishori Lal Sharma, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, as the Congress candidate. Despite efforts, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra declined to contest from Raebareli, a constituency she had nurtured on behalf of her mother for over a decade.

The Congress's decision, shrouded in suspense for weeks, was unveiled on Friday. Both candidates will file their nominations today, the final day for submissions for the fifth phase of elections on May 20.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to file his nomination from Raebareli later today, preceding it with a roadshow. Following the candidate announcements for both prestigious seats, Ms. Vadra praised KL Sharma's dedication and expressed confidence in his success.

However, concerns arise regarding the impact of Rahul Gandhi's seat switch, particularly in Amethi, where Union Minister Smriti Irani clinched victory in 2019. Irani is geared to defend her seat and has suggested that Congress's delay signifies apprehension about her imminent win.

Ms. Vadra's decision not to contest adds to the party's challenges, potentially fostering a negative perception that could influence nationwide election outcomes. Congress leaders speculate on the impact of dynastic allegations, especially with Sonia Gandhi in the Rajya Sabha and Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad, Kerala.

The prospect of victories in both Raebareli and Wayanad presents a dilemma, as Mr. Gandhi would need to vacate one seat. While Raebareli holds historical significance, Wayanad symbolizes Congress's strength. This decision, though postponed, looms as a future challenge for the party amidst ongoing electoral battles.