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Gandhi Siblings Propel Congress to Best Performance in a Decade

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi's strategic campaign efforts have led Congress to its most successful Lok Sabha election result in ten years 

04-06-2024
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For years, BJP has relentlessly targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with jibes like 'pappu' and 'shehzade'. The Gandhi family has been a focal point of BJP's criticism during elections over the past decade. However, as Congress edges closer to a 100-seat tally in the current Lok Sabha election, achieving its best performance in ten years, the Gandhi siblings, Rahul and Priyanka, have played a crucial role in this turnaround.

Rahul Gandhi essentially kickstarted his campaign with the Bharat Jodo Yatra, traversing the country. While the yatra's direct impact on the number of seats won by Congress remains debatable, it undeniably helped improve his public image. By engaging directly with people, from students to truck drivers, and sharing moments like petting puppies and hugging supporters, Rahul managed to counteract the negative perception crafted by the BJP.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, though expected by many to contest the elections herself, chose instead to focus on rallying support for the party. She explained that running in a constituency would have confined her to that area, whereas staying free allowed her to campaign more broadly. This strategic decision appears to have been beneficial.

Rahul Gandhi traveled nationwide to support the INDIA bloc's rallies, while Priyanka spearheaded the Congress campaign in the key constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli. Both seats seem poised for Congress victories, with Kishori Lal Sharma, a staunch Gandhi family supporter, defeating Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi—turning the tables on Rahul's 2019 defeat.

Priyanka emerged not only as the face but also the strategic mind behind these campaigns, organizing local meetings and crafting the party's approach. Her speeches, which resonated with the audience, also showcased her prowess as an orator. A notable instance was her rebuttal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that the Congress’s wealth distribution plan would take away people’s gold and mangalsutras. She highlighted the historical sacrifices of the Gandhi family, such as Indira Gandhi's gold donation during wartime, to counter these accusations.

During a party meeting in Amethi, Priyanka shared a touching story about a woman who, despite opposition from her father-in-law, stitched sari falls to save money and ensure her daughter received an education. This narrative, along with her interactions, helped dismantle the BJP's portrayal of the Gandhi siblings and softened the "royal family" image.

Significantly, Congress contested only 328 out of 543 seats this election, its lowest ever, leaving the remaining seats to its INDIA allies. Known for its tough negotiations for seats in the past, this strategic concession under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge has seemingly paid off.

Despite potentially securing only half as many seats as the BJP, the Congress's performance has been remarkable, with the Gandhi siblings at the forefront of this success. At the Congress press meet, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged Priyanka's significant contribution to the party's improved showing.

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