'Won't contest LS polls...': Sonia's letter to Raebareli voters
What's the story
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Thursday announced that she won't contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, citing health concerns. The announcement came a day after she filed her nomination papers from Rajasthan for the Rajya Sabha polls. "Due to health and increasing age, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha elections," she said in a letter. "I will not get the opportunity to serve you directly, but, certainly, my heart and soul will always be with you," she added.
Raebareli connection
Gandhi pens letter for Raebareli residents
In her letter addressed to the voters, Gandhi expressed her deep connection with Raebareli. She also the endless support and love she has received from its residents. "The close relationship with Raebareli is very old. In the first Lok Sabha elections held after independence, you made my father-in-law Feroze Gandhi win from here and sent him to Delhi," Sonia said. "After him, you made my mother-in-law Indira Gandhi your own," she added.
Twitter Post
You can read Sonia's full letter here
CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी का रायबरेली की जनता के नाम संदेश- pic.twitter.com/6zlJkWjwvi
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 15, 2024
Statement
Whatever I am today is because of you: Gandhi
Addressing the people of Raebareli, Gandhi wrote, " After losing my mother-in-law and my life partner forever, I came to you and you spread your arms for me." "In the last two elections, you stood by me like a rock even in difficult circumstances, I can never forget this. I am proud to say that whatever I am today is because of you," she added. To recall, the Congress has suffered defeat in Raebareli on three occasions since the Independence.
History
Gandhi to begin first stint in Rajya Sabha
Gandhi entered active politics in 1999 when she was elected as an MP from Amethi. Her subsequent rise saw her become the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and later, in the 2004 general elections, she won from Raebareli. Notably, this will be Gandhi's first stint in the Upper House. The 77-year-old leader will be filing the seat that will fall vacant in April after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh finishes his Rajya Sabha tenure.