In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has unveiled its second list of candidates for various constituencies across five states and the Daman and Diu Union Territory. Notable inclusions in the list are the sons of veteran Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot, reflecting the party’s strategy to bank on the next generation of leaders.
Gaurav Gogoi, the current Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha and son of former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, will be contesting from Jorhat constituency in Assam. This marks a shift from his previous representation of the Kaliabor constituency, which was absorbed into the Kaziranga seat during the state’s delimitation exercise. Sources suggest that Gogoi’s decision to contest from Jorhat, his late father’s hometown, reflects a personal connection to the constituency.
Meanwhile, Nakul Nath, the son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, has been fielded again from Chhindwara constituency, a seat he currently represents. This move comes amidst rumors of Nakul Nath considering joining the BJP following his father’s removal from the Madhya Pradesh Congress chief’s post. However, Nath senior has clarified that he will not be contesting in the upcoming elections.
In Rajasthan, where the Congress recently lost power to the BJP, the party has nominated 10 candidates, including Vaibhav Gehlot, the son of former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who will be contesting from Jalore constituency. Other prominent candidates from Rajasthan include former police chief Harish Meena, who will be contesting from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur constituency.
The Congress’s second list also reflects strategic considerations, with a focus on caste arithmetic and grassroots connections. Rahul Kaswa, a candidate who defected from the BJP, has been fielded from Churu constituency in Rajasthan, indicating the party’s attempt to capitalize on his local popularity and political network.
In Gujarat, the Congress has fielded two sitting MLAs and a former legislator, with emphasis on constituencies like Banaskantha and Valsad. The announcement of the second list comes after extensive discussions within the party’s central election committee, chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, covering more than 60 seats across the states and union territory.
Sources By Agencies
