Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress’s recently elected Amethi MP, highlighted that politics should be viewed through the prism of sportsmanship rather than revenge. After defeating current BJP MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani by more than 1.67 lakh votes, Sharma declared that his victory was not intended to avenge Irani’s defeat of Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019. Sharma emphasized that the Amethi constituency is regarded as a “trust” (“amanat”) of the Gandhi family, and he promised to protect this trust without “breach” (“amanat mein khayanat”). Despite the prior election setback, Sharma maintained a sense of fair play and dedication to serving the people.
Rahul Gandhi’s Guidance and Support
After handing over Gandhi’s election certificate from Rae Bareli, Sharma received advice from Rahul Gandhi on how to do effectively in Parliament. “He then offered me the instruction I needed to do well in Parliament. So I assured him that I would learn from him because he is a senior MP and I am a first-timer,” Sharma said in an interview with PTI. When questioned if he had instructed Rahul Gandhi on which constituency to represent, Sharma explained that it was not his position to do so. “I did not give him any advice; it is not my place to give him advice.” “It is up to Rahul Gandhi (to decide),” Sharma remarked, despite his personal preference for Gandhi to keep Rae Bareli.
Responding to BJP’s Criticisms
During the campaign, the BJP derided Sharma as the Gandhi family’s “peon” and “clerk”. Rahul Gandhi responded to these remarks in a press conference, defending Sharma’s longstanding commitment to Amethi. Sharma chose not to respond further to these jibes, citing Gandhi’s reaction on his behalf. “Rahul ji, my leader, has responded to all of this. “I don’t want to comment on it,” Sharma said. Gandhi emphasized Sharma’s 40-year connection to Amethi, implying that the BJP’s comprehension of this long-standing relationship was inadequate. This link was critical to Sharma’s resounding victory, proving many doubters wrong about Congress’ capacity to retake Amethi.
Future Roles and Party Decisions
Sharma stated that he is willing to serve in any function that the Congress party may appoint him. “I never considered any position in the last 40 years, so what would I think now? “Whatever the party decides, whatever role the party assigns me, is acceptable to me,” he remarked.
The Significance of the Victory Margin
Discussing the margin of his victory, Sharma noted that his confidence stemmed from his extensive experience and understanding of the electorate’s mood. “It was about the margin, we were thinking of a margin between 1.25 lakh and 1.5 lahks. I have worked for 40 years so I can read the mood of the workers. When we used to do public meetings, people used to listen to it and I got the belief that we will do it (emerge victorious) and it was done,” he explained.
Reclaiming Amethi
Amethi, historically synonymous with the Gandhi family, witnessed a significant political shift in 2019 when Smriti Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi. Sharma’s recent victory has restored Congress’ stronghold in the constituency, marking a critical turnaround and reinforcing the Gandhi family’s legacy in Amethi. Sharma’s triumph not only marks a personal victory but also signifies a reaffirmation of the Congress’ presence in Amethi, proving skeptics wrong and reinstating the trust placed in the Gandhi family by the constituency’s electorate.
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