Amethi Braces For Showdown As Rahul Gandhi And Smriti Irani In Town Today

Union Minister Smriti Irani is all set to embark on a four-day visit to her parliamentary constituency of Amethi, commencing today, just as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra makes its way into the town. This marks a rare convergence of the political heavyweights in the electoral battleground that was once known as the Gandhi family's stronghold.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani unseated Rahul Gandhi, ending his 15-year reign in Amethi. Since then, the two leaders have seldom found themselves in Amethi simultaneously. The last instance was in February 2022, when they attended separate campaign events in the lead-up to the assembly elections.

Ms Irani's representative, Vijay Gupta, revealed that the Union Minister's visit will span four days. During this time, she plans to engage with residents in various villages, underscoring her commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of her constituents. The visit will culminate with Irani's house-warming ceremony on February 22, a promise she made to the electorate before her election.