In a significant political upset, Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma defeated Union Minister Smriti Irani in the Amethi constituency. Sharma, who has been closely associated with the Gandhi family for over four decades, received congratulations and advice from Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the national capital.
Sharma, who arrived in Amethi-Rae Bareli from Punjab with the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, shared his experience of meeting the influential Gandhi family members. “I had brought with me Rahul Gandhi’s winning certificate and sought Madam’s (Sonia Gandhi’s) blessings. Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and KC Venugopal were also there,” he told ANI.
When asked about the advice he received from the Gandhis, Sharma said they emphasized the importance of humility. “They asked me to remain humble as I have always been. ‘Jaise humble ho, waise hi humble rehna hai. Koi ghamand nahi karna hai ki aap MP ho gye ho’ (Be humble as you have always been. No need to be arrogant about being a Member of Parliament),” he quoted.
Sharma, known for his deep connection with the people of Amethi and Rae Bareli, assured that he will always consult the locals before making any plans for the constituency. His victory marks a significant comeback for the Congress in Amethi, a constituency that Rahul Gandhi lost to Smriti Irani in 2019. Sharma secured 539,228 votes, surpassing Irani’s 372,032.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her confidence in Sharma’s victory through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that she always knew ‘Kishori bhaiya’ would win comfortably. Sharma’s win not only represents a personal triumph but also a revival of the Congress stronghold in Amethi, historically linked with the Gandhi family.
