Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination papers from Rajasthan on Wednesday (February 14) for the upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections. With just two months left before the Lok Sabha Elections, Gandhi's Rajya Sabha shift will be an important political move as she is now not going to contest from the Rae Bareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
Nomination filing ceremony
Accompanied by prominent party leaders, including her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, and leader of opposition Tikaram Jully, Sonia filed her nomination in the assembly building.
Meeting with party MLAs
Before filing her nomination, Sonia Gandhi convened with the party MLAs in the opposition lobby of the assembly to discuss the upcoming elections and garner support for her candidacy.
Comfortable prospects for Congress
The Congress party is in a favourable position to secure one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan, with Sonia Gandhi expected to fill the vacancy left by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who completes his six-year tenure in April.
Transition to upper house
If elected, this will mark Sonia Gandhi's first term in the Upper House after serving five terms as a Lok Sabha MP. At 77 years old, she has decided not to contest the next general elections, having represented Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha since 1999.
Support from party leaders
Expressing support for Sonia Gandhi's candidacy, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot welcomed her nomination in a social media post, highlighting her longstanding service to the party and the country.
Upcoming elections
The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled for February 27, with the last date for filing nominations set for February 15. A total of 56 members from 15 states will retire in April, prompting these elections.
Gandhi family legacy
Sonia Gandhi's entry into the Rajya Sabha follows in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was a member of the Upper House from August 1964 to February 1967.
Future political landscape
While the Congress has not formally declared any candidate for the upcoming elections, speculation arises about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's potential candidacy in the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency after Sonia Gandhi's decision not to contest. Sonia's choice to contest from Rajasthan, rather than states like Telangana or Karnataka, indicates the party's commitment to the Hindi heartland region.
Also read | Sonia Gandhi from Rajasthan, Himachal for Abhishek Manu Singhvi: Congress' official Rajya Sabha list
