Speculation has been rife that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s husband Robert Vadra may fight Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Amethi. However, it’s not yet black or white as there has been no confirmation from either the Congress or Vadra himself, even as he makes his desire to contest polls clear. The Congress has been silent even as Vadra has spoken out expressing his desire to take the poll plunge. Dressed in white, Robert Vadra spoke to News18 exclusively, reiterating that he was ready to take on the BJP.
“Wherever I travel, specially to Amethi, people have told me they are unhappy with Smriti Irani as she has done no work. Also, she attacks me inside Parliament, she takes out papers and accuses me of corruption, I need to rebut,” Vadra said.
Adding that he has been a “victim of attacks because of my association with the Gandhis”, Vadra said, “When I go for my spiritual journeys or meet people and do my voluntary work, I only get told by people how they want me to take on their responsibilities and do something for them.”
Vadra has always been an Achilles heel for the Congress. Every time the BJP wishes to attack the Gandhis, Vadra becomes the target. When asked if he feels the targeted attacks would increase if he joins electoral politics, Vadra said, “I am used to it. I have spent days at the ED office, being left alone and suddenly officers say ‘mil gaya kaagaz’ (we found the paper). So, I am prepared for everything. I know they will target me even more but I am ready.”
The Congress has yet to make it clear as to who will be contesting from Amethi. The BJP has established a narrative that Rahul Gandhi is “running away.” Union Minister Smriti Irani, earlier said that Rahul Gandhi must make it clear “immediately” whether he will contest from Amethi.
As to what will happen to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in case Vadra contests from Amethi, Vadra quipped, “See, I can’t speak for others. But in any case, they attack him. I want to make Rahul Gandhi strong. I would want Priyanka to contest too. She has been brave and this is her fight. I do worry for her safety.”
Responding to charges that his contesting would make the BJP accuse Congress of dynastic politics, Vadra said, “Well, the BJP, too, has so many leaders who belong to families. I have learnt a lot from Congress. Also, don’t children follow profession of their fathers?”
There has so far been no clarification nor denial from the Congress over Vadra’s words.
Voting for Lok Sabha elections in Amethi will take place on May 20 while the counting of votes will take place on June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP’s Smriti Irani had defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi by over 50,000 votes.
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