Sonia Gandhi files Rajya Sabha nomination from Rajasthan, marking the end of an era

Sonia Gandhi was accompanied by Rahul and Priyanka as the former Congress president filed her nomination.

Updated on: Feb 14, 2024, 17:38:09 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan on Wednesday with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanying her. Sonia Gandhi left her Delhi residence early in the morning and reached Jaipur by 10am. According to reports, Sonia Gandhi has decided to shift to the Rajya Sabha because of health reasons, which makes it difficult for her to visit her Lok Sabha constituency regularly.

Sonia Gandhi filed her Rajya Sabha nomination from Rajasthan on Wednesday. (PTI)

BJP leader's 'tired' jibe at Sonia Gandhi over Rajya Sabha nomination

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are likely to be present when she files the nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. The last date for filing the nomination is February 15. The Rajya Sabha election is scheduled to be held on February 27.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot welcomed Sonia Gandhi's nomination from the Rajya Sabha and said Sonia has always been connected with Rajasthan. "We heartily welcome the announcement of respected Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji as the Rajya Sabha candidate from the Congress Party, who renounced the post of Prime Minister," Gehlot posted on X remembers Sonia Gandhi's many visits to the state -- some accompanying former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The Congress released a statement nominating Sonia Gandhi from Rajasthan, Akhilesh Prasad Singh from Bihar, Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Himachal Pradesh, Chandrakant Handore from Maharashtra.

On Monday, after a high-level meeting of the party leaders attended by Mallikarjun Kharge, Mukul Wasnik, Ajay Maken, Salman Khurshid, KC Venugopal, it was indicated that Sonia Gandhi may shift to the upper house leaving the poll fray for the first time. Apart from Rajasthan, the party had Himachal Pradesh as an option for her, but Gandhi chose Rajasthan, reports said.

Sonia Gandhi, who was Congress president for almost 22 years between 1998 and 2022, is a five-time Lok Sabha MP. She was elected from Uttar Pradesh's Amethi and Karnataka's Bellary in 1999 and retained Amethi. In 2004, Gandhi contested from Rae Bareli vacating Amethi for Rahul Gandhi.

A total of 56 members of Rajya Sabha from 15 states are retiring in April, including Manmohan Singh who was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from August 1964 to February 1967. If Sonia Gandhi enters Rajya Sabha, she will be the second member of the Gandhi family to do so.

Speculations over Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's poll debut

Following Sonia Gandhi's opting out from Rae Bareli, speculation is rife that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may be considered for the seat. However, the leadership has not yet taken any decision regarding Priyanka Gandhi's electoral debut.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.