Image Credits - Hindustan Times
Sonia Gandhi, a Congress leader, secured an uncontested victory to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, as per a report by the news agency PTI, according to the Assembly secretary. The report also mentioned that Chunnilal Garasiya and Madan Rathore from the BJP were elected unopposed to the Upper House of the state.
This marks Sonia Gandhi’s debut in the Upper House following six terms served in the Lok Sabha.
Previously, Gandhi had conveyed to the voters in her Raebareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh that she would not contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Last week, the former Congress president submitted her nomination for the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, accompanied by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Reports suggest that her decision stems from health concerns, which would impede her ability to regularly visit her Lok Sabha constituency.
Sonia Gandhi, who led the Congress for nearly 22 years from 1998 to 2022, has been elected to the Lok Sabha five times. In 1999, she secured victories in both Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi and Karnataka’s Bellary, ultimately choosing to represent Amethi. In 2004, she contested from Rae Bareli, paving the way for Rahul Gandhi to contest from Amethi.
In April, a total of 56 Rajya Sabha members from 15 states will retire, including Manmohan Singh, who currently represents Rajasthan.
Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister, served in the Rajya Sabha from August 1964 until February 1967. If Sonia Gandhi assumes office in the Rajya Sabha, she will become the second member of the Gandhi family to do so.
With Sonia Gandhi withdrawing from Raebareli, there is speculation that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might be considered for the seat. However, the party leadership has yet to make a decision regarding Priyanka Gandhi’s electoral debut.
