The Congress party's strategic decision to have Rahul Gandhi retain Raebareli and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contest from Wayanad is seen as a significant move. This approach aims to secure a strong presence in both northern and southern India, laying the groundwork for future elections.

Raebareli, one of the Gandhi family strongholds in Uttar Pradesh, has been represented by Sonia Gandhi for years. With Amethi, another stronghold, reclaimed from the BJP by loyalist KL Sharma, the Congress is re-establishing its influential base in Uttar Pradesh. This comes ahead of the state elections in early 2027, where Congress aims to build on its recent success, increasing its seats from one in 2019 to six.

The combined seats of Congress and its ally, Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, total 43, reducing the BJP to 33 in a state long considered its stronghold. This shift in power suggests a robust attack on the Yogi Adityanath government in the 2027 elections.

Rahul Gandhi's presence in Raebareli has broader implications beyond Uttar Pradesh. The Congress, having almost doubled its Lok Sabha seats from 52 in 2019 to 99, seeks to expand its influence in the Hindi-speaking north.

In the south, where Congress already governs Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu with ally DMK, the focus shifts to Kerala. Historically oscillating between Congress and the Left, Kerala broke the pattern in 2021, re-electing the Left. Congress hopes anti-incumbency will favor them in 2026. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidacy in Wayanad is expected to strengthen the party’s position. Rahul Gandhi’s recent election win in Wayanad revitalized the party, securing 14 of 20 seats in Kerala despite a strong BJP campaign.

Senior Kerala Congress leader KC Venugopal's presence with Mr. Kharge at the press conference announcing Priyanka's debut signifies the party's enthusiasm. Rahul emphasized that both he and his sister will maintain their active roles in both states.

The Congress party's strategic decision to have Rahul Gandhi retain Raebareli and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contest from Wayanad is seen as a significant move. This approach aims to secure a strong presence in both northern and southern India, laying the groundwork for future elections.

Raebareli, one of the Gandhi family strongholds in Uttar Pradesh, has been represented by Sonia Gandhi for years. With Amethi, another stronghold, reclaimed from the BJP by loyalist KL Sharma, the Congress is re-establishing its influential base in Uttar Pradesh. This comes ahead of the state elections in early 2027, where Congress aims to build on its recent success, increasing its seats from one in 2019 to six.

The combined seats of Congress and its ally, Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, total 43, reducing the BJP to 33 in a state long considered its stronghold. This shift in power suggests a robust attack on the Yogi Adityanath government in the 2027 elections.

Rahul Gandhi's presence in Raebareli has broader implications beyond Uttar Pradesh. The Congress, having almost doubled its Lok Sabha seats from 52 in 2019 to 99, seeks to expand its influence in the Hindi-speaking north.

In the south, where Congress already governs Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu with ally DMK, the focus shifts to Kerala. Historically oscillating between Congress and the Left, Kerala broke the pattern in 2021, re-electing the Left. Congress hopes anti-incumbency will favor them in 2026. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s candidacy in Wayanad is expected to strengthen the party’s position. Rahul Gandhi’s recent election win in Wayanad revitalized the party, securing 14 of 20 seats in Kerala despite a strong BJP campaign.

Senior Kerala Congress leader KC Venugopal's presence with Mr. Kharge at the press conference announcing Priyanka's debut signifies the party's enthusiasm. Rahul emphasized that both he and his sister will maintain their active roles in both states.