One of Uttar Pradesh’s most high-profile and closely watched Lok Sabha constituencies, sees Congress fielding K L Sharma, a staunch loyalist of the Gandhi family who has managed elections for them in Amethi and Raebareli for 41 years. While speculation swirled around whether Rahul Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would contest from here, Congress’s announcement of Sharma as their candidate laid it to rest. Although Sharma’s candidacy may have dampened expectations of a showdown between BJP minister Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi, the significance of this constituency remains undiminished. 

Your candidacy announcement has taken everyone, including the BJP in Amethi, by surprise. 
It was the party’s decision; I had no prior knowledge as I simply believed in hard work. I’ve seen how Amethi was built brick by brick by the Gandhi family. I’m grateful to the Gandhi family for placing such trust in me. Having spent many years in Amethi, I had the privilege of working closely with the late Rajiv Gandhi Ji, who was one of the most humble politicians I’ve ever encountered. The affection and support that Amethi and Raebareli have for the Gandhi family are unparalleled, and today, I feel that same warmth extended towards me.