Varun Gandhi: On Tuesday, Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury extended a warm invitation to Varun Gandhi, expressing openness to his potential joining of the party. Chowdhury’s statement followed the BJP’s decision to exclude Varun Gandhi from its Lok Sabha list for Pilibhit. The welcoming gesture from the Congress signifies a strategic move, potentially aimed at capitalizing on Gandhi’s political experience and influence. As the political landscape continues to shift, such developments could significantly impact the dynamics within both parties, reflecting the fluidity of Indian politics.
Key Points
Congress’ Adhir Chowdhury Congress will be ‘glad’ to welcome Varun Gandhi.
Claims BJP shunning was due to Varun Gandhi’s ties with the Gandhi family.
The BJP eliminated Varun Gandhi, a sitting MP from UP’s Pilibhit, from its Lok Sabha list.
Following Varun Gandhi’s exclusion from the BJP’s list of Lok Sabha candidates, including his status as the sitting MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit, the Congress party extended an invitation to him. Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury stated on Tuesday that Varun Gandhi is enthusiastically welcomed to join the grand old party.
In his conversation with reporters, Adhir Chowdhury asserted that the BJP’s move to exclude the 44-year-old from the electoral fray was driven by his lineage within the Gandhi family.
Adhir Chowdhury expressed his view, suggesting that Varun Gandhi should consider joining the Congress, stating, We would be pleased if he decides to join us. He is a prominent leader, well-versed in politics, and carries an image of transparency. Given his connections with the Gandhi family, it appears that this association led to the BJP’s decision not to field him. We extend an invitation to Varun Gandhi to join the Congress.”
On Sunday, March 24th, the BJP unveiled its fifth list of Lok Sabha candidates, wherein Varun Gandhi, the incumbent MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit constituency, was omitted. Nevertheless, the party opted to maintain the candidacy of his mother, Maneka Gandhi, for the Sultanpur constituency.
Jitin Prasada, a former Congress leader who joined the BJP in 2021, has been nominated to contest from the Pilibhit constituency, taking the place of Varun Gandhi.
According to sources speaking to India Today TV, Varun Gandhi reportedly feels “betrayed” by the BJP’s decision to exclude him and is considering not contesting the elections at all.
The sources also revealed that the BJP leader had recently procured four sets of nomination papers through his associate, and all his party workers were instructed to prepare two cars and 10 motorcycles in every village of Pilibhit for election campaigning. However, following the denial of the BJP ticket, there has been no communication from Varun Gandhi’s team.
Sources disclosed earlier this month that Varun Gandhi could potentially run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if denied a ticket by the BJP.
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The BJP leader, however, has not made any official statement regarding his future plans.
Varun Gandhi purportedly experienced discord with the BJP after voicing criticism of the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh on numerous occasions.