Bengaluru: A day after the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra met emerging dalit face in UP Chandrashekahr Ravan at a hospital, Congress leaders from Karnataka on Friday appealed to party president Rahul Gandhi to contest from a 'safe seat' in Karnataka.
Reports are doing the rounds in Congress circles that Priyanka's meeting with Mr Ravan could have ruffled the feathers of BSP supremo, Mayawati who considers Ravan her rival. After this controversial meeting, the powerful BSP-SP combine in UP is seriously contemplating fielding their candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli, now represented by Congress president, Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi respectively.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader told this newspaper that the party would therefore like to offer Mr Gandhi a safe seat in the state. "KPCC working president, Eshwar Khadre had been requesting Mr Gandhi to contest from here and the time is ripe now," he said. The chorus urging Mr Gandhi to contest from the state was led by none other than former CM Siddaramaiah who tweeted, "Karnataka has always supported and encouraged Congress leaders. It has been proved in case of Smt. Indira ji and Soniaji. We also want our next Prime Minister of India Shri. Rahul Gandhi to contest from Karnataka and herald a new developmental paradigm," Mr Siddaramaiah tweeted.
Soon#RaGaFromKarnataka began trending with KPCC President Dinesh Gundurao too batting for it. "On behalf of Karnataka Congress, I urge Rahul Gandhi to consider contesting from Karnataka for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Election 2019. He should also be our representative from South India for that he should choose my state," he tweeted.
Echoing similar sentiments, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr G. Parameshwar (@DrParameshwara) tweeted that two important leaders Indira Gandhi & Sonia Gandhi have contested from the state, tasted success & helped India move forward!
“In this spirit of development, we say yes to #RaGaFromKarnataka for #Elections2019. Karnataka will be proud to be the state represented by our future PM!,” he said.
