Priyanka Gandhi leads congress campaign in Rae Bareli

As Rahul Gandhi gears up to contest the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat for the first time, the Congress party is meticulously crafting a campaign strategy deeply rooted in the Nehru-Gandhi family's century-long association with this area. The Congress campaign in Rae Bareli is not just about electoral politics. It's a narrative carefully woven to counter the BJP's persistent accusation that the Congress vanishes from Rae Bareli post-election victories.

The Congress election strategy, coined as ‘Sewa ke sau saal’ (100 years of service) and ‘Rae Bareli ke Rahul’ (Rahul of Rae Bareli), is poised to be unveiled through various publicity channels and social media platforms as Rahul prepares to kickstart his campaign in the region. Central to this approach is the Priyanka Gandhi leadership. She has been actively setting the tone during her recent engagements in the constituency.

Priyanka, who is spearheading the Rae Bareli campaign in a seat held by her mother, Sonia Gandhi for four consecutive terms, has been invoking historical events like the Munshiganj massacre of January 7, 1921. She eloquently narrates how the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, spanning four generations from Motilal Nehru to Jawaharlal Nehru, has stood steadfastly by the people of Rae Bareli, especially during times of adversity such as the aforementioned massacre, where farmers were tragically shot during the non-cooperation movement.

The resonance of this historical connection can be seen in Priyanka's words as she addresses party workers and constituents alike, emphasising the enduring bond between the Nehru-Gandhi family and the people of Rae Bareli. The narrative doesn't stop at reminiscing about past sacrifices but extends to showcasing a legacy of resilience and learning from setbacks, exemplified by figures like Indira Gandhi, who faced defeat in Rae Bareli but emerged victorious later.

The campaign doesn't shy away from acknowledging past mistakes but underlines the Congress party's unwavering commitment to standing with farmers and marginalised communities, as evidenced by its historical role in supporting the protesting farmers against the oppressive British regime. Priyanka's strategic campaign trail, starting from the poignant Shaheed Smarak in Munshiganj, serves as a powerful reminder of this enduring solidarity.

However, amidst the Congress's efforts to reinforce its legacy, the BJP's counter-narrative looms large, especially with figures like Dinesh Pratap Singh from Rae Bareli establishing themselves as enduring representatives for the local population. Their rhetoric aims to convince voters of the benefits of local representation and stability over the Gandhi family's perceived transience.