Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 4: Robert Vadra, husband of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has indicated a potential entry into active politics, suggesting that the constituents of Amethi anticipate his debut from the parliamentary constituency.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Vadra expressed the sentiment that the residents of Amethi are disillusioned with incumbent MP Smriti Irani and yearn for a member of the Gandhi family to reclaim the seat.
"Whoever represents Rae Bareli or Amethi must work for the progress and security of the people and refrain from engaging in discriminatory politics. The residents of Amethi are deeply dissatisfied with their current Member of Parliament," Vadra remarked.
"They believe they erred in their decision as she rarely visits her constituency. She neglects its development and focuses solely on maligning the Gandhi family and abusing her authority," he elaborated.
Vadra emphasized the longstanding commitment of the Gandhi family to the welfare of Amethi, Rae Bareli, Sultanpur, and Jagdishpur.
"The people of Amethi regret electing Smriti Irani and hope for a return of a Gandhi family member. Indeed, they even express the expectation for me to represent their constituency if I choose to enter Parliament," Vadra disclosed.
"People recognize the efforts we've made... They engage with me on social media, visit me at my office, and commemorate my birthday," he added.
This isn't the first instance of Robert Vadra hinting at a foray into politics.
In July 2022, Vadra stated he would contemplate entering politics if there was popular demand for it. His comments followed the questioning of his mother-in-law, then Congress president Sonia Gandhi, by the Enforcement Directorate regarding a money laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper.
The Congress is yet to announce its candidates for its traditional bastions Rae Bareli and Amethi. While speculation suggests Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might contest from Rae Bareli, party workers anticipate Rahul Gandhi's return to Amethi.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP's Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, a seat he had held for 15 years.