National Desk, 29th April: Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani officially entered the electoral race by filing her nomination papers for the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency on April 29. She was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other prominent leaders as she led a spirited road show from the BJP office in Gauriganj before submitting her nomination.
However, the enthusiasm of the road show was dampened about 200 meters before reaching the collectorate, following orders from the district magistrate. Despite this interruption, the event saw the presence of Uttar Pradesh Minister Mayankashwar Sharan Singh and Irani’s husband, Zubin Irani.
Irani’s decision to contest from Amethi carries weight as she secured victory in the 2019 elections, defeating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in what was traditionally considered the stronghold of the Gandhi family.
While the Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the seat, local party members speculate that Rahul Gandhi might contest from Amethi once again. The upcoming elections in Amethi are slated for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 20.
The filing of Irani’s nomination marks the commencement of a closely watched electoral battle in Amethi, a constituency steeped in political history.