Missing Supriya Shrinate, Delay in Naming Amethi & Raebareli Picks: For Gandhis, ‘Ghar Wapsi’ Goal Still Elusive

What’s missing often makes more news than what’s out in the public domain. So when the Congress released its list of candidates for Uttar Pradesh, the one absence that raised eyebrows was Supriya Shrinate’s.

Supriya’s father Harsh Vardhan was a two-time MP from Maharajganj so, when she was approached by Priyanka Vadra to contest, Supriya could not say no. It was a journey from journalism to politics which she happily made.

Surpiya lost in 2019 but quickly climbed up the party’s hierarchy. Her aggression and good oration helped her become the head of the social media department, which is now the spine of the party’s communication. Sources say Supriya had conveyed to the party leadership a month ago that she would rather focus on the campaign and strategy for the party than contest.

This has raised speculations that she may be fielded from Amethi or Raebareli, though sources close to Supriya deny this. Post the controversy over Kangana Ranaut, the BJP would be happy to have Supriya in the crucial seat as it would suit their narrative. A top BJP source said: “The entire Awadh belt is upset with the comment on Ranaut and if Supriya contests from here, we will find an issue.”

This once again puts Amethi and Raebareli in the spotlight. What’s the reason for the delay in announcing candidates? Sources in the know say it’s a political strategy to prolong the announcement but clarity can be expected soon.

However, the point is that the CEC is yet to even begin discussion on the two star seats that the Gandhi family is associated with. The more the delay, the more the perception builds that these seats are not the Congress’ priority and the Gandhis are running away from a fight. The first list of the Congress led with the announcement of Wayanad from where Rahul Gandhi will be contesting. In 2019, when he had fought from both the places, the narrative was that he had run away from Amethi and hence should be punished by the voters.

This time, too, Smriti Irani has asked the Congress in multiple rallies — “Where is your candidate?” As Irani seems poised for another win, the longer Congress takes to decide, the further is the goal of ‘Ghar Wapsi’ for the Gandhis.