New Delhi: In a stunning political upset, Lal Sharma, a dedicated Congress party worker with four decades of experience in Amethi, has defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Smriti Irani in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This victory marks a significant comeback for the Congress in a constituency that has been considered a stronghold of the Gandhi family.
On June 5, a day after his remarkable win, Sharma was welcomed by senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the national capital. The meeting was a moment of celebration and strategy as the party rejoiced in reclaiming Amethi.
Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma emphasized the symbolic importance of Amethi, calling it an “amanat” (legacy) of the Gandhi family. “There is a sense of responsibility that comes with winning this seat,” he stated, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the constituency and the Gandhis.
During his visit to Delhi, Lal Sharma handed over Rahul Gandhi’s winning certificate to Sonia Gandhi and sought her blessings. He expressed his gratitude and shared the guidance he received from senior party leaders. “They advised me to remain humble and respectful towards everyone. Becoming an MP should not make me arrogant,” Sharma said.
Sharma also reiterated his commitment to maintaining the trust of the people of Amethi, ensuring there would be no “amanat mein khayanat” (breach of trust) following his victory. As a first-time MP, he sought advice from Rahul Gandhi on how to effectively fulfill his new responsibilities. “Rahul ji told me that I must perform well in Parliament. I assured him that I would learn from him, given his experience as a senior MP,” Sharma revealed.
Reflecting on his personal aspirations, Sharma expressed his hope that Rahul Gandhi would continue to represent Rae Bareli, indicating his respect and deference to the seasoned politician. “I did not give him any advice; it is not my place to do so. It is up to Rahul Gandhi to decide,” Sharma added.
Lal Sharma’s victory is seen as a significant morale booster for the Congress, which has struggled to regain its footing in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. His win over Smriti Irani, who famously defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, is particularly noteworthy and signals a potential resurgence for the Congress in the region.
As Sharma prepares to take on his new role, the Congress is hopeful that his deep connection with the people of Amethi and his decades-long dedication to public service will translate into effective leadership and development for the constituency.
