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In the heart of the 2024 poll contest, Amethi stands as a constituency aware of its 'VVIP' status. Yet, amidst the anticipation, there is a sense of disappointment over the absence of a high-stakes Rahul Gandhi vs Smriti Irani contest. Resignation fills the air, with the realization that once the cameras turn away, Amethi will return to its state of gradual decline.
This time, the contest takes on a new edge, characterized by the clash between a 'chaprasi' (peon) and a Union minister. K L Sharma, the faceless Congress poll manager, has spent 40 years managing the Gandhis' poll campaigns and is thus labeled as a 'chaprasi' by the BJP. On the other hand, Irani, seen as a minister who fought her way into the limelight, exudes confidence and thrives in the spotlight.
Sharma's unwavering Gandhi devotion proves to be both his strength and weakness. BJP workers whisper about Irani's 'high-handedness' and its potential consequences. The BJP aims to counter this by emphasizing developmental works like roads under 'Modi and Yogi' and accusing Rahul of 'abandoning' the constituency after his 2019 loss to Irani. However, in this predominantly rural constituency, there seems to be neither a 'vikas ka vote' (vote of development) nor a Gandhi family vote. Voters are either driven by 'rashtra' or 'desh' (the country, hence supporting Irani) or voting against 'the sitting MP' (thus favoring Sharma).
Despite Amethi's 'VVIP' status, there is little stake in the election for the people. As Raj Murti Singh, an LIC agent, puts it, 'Amethi will remain where it is. We will vote for the country.' Similarly, Shiv Pyare, a shopkeeper, predicts a decent vote share for the Congress but acknowledges that people's discontent with the local MP may not translate into support for Sharma, as they prioritize the 'bigger cause.'
The Congress campaign highlights projects initiated during the UPA regime in Amethi but obstructed under the NDA, such as the 'Triple IIT,' 'Mega Food Park,' and a paper mill. Irani counters by showcasing the new Coca-Cola bottling plant in Amethi and appeals for more time, emphasizing that she has had only five years compared to the Gandhis' '50 years.' Both Irani and the BJP capitalize on the fact that Irani now owns a house in Amethi and anticipate a potential campaign visit by PM Modi.
On the Congress side, Priyanka has taken charge of the Amethi and Rae Bareli campaigns and has infused energy into the campaign with her numerous 'nukkad' meetings. Priyanka relentlessly invokes her family's long-standing connection with Amethi, while Sharma, handpicked by Rajiv for Amethi, boasts of his deep understanding of the constituency.
Sharma positions himself as 'a common worker' and emphasizes his accessibility, promising that the doors of the Gandhi family will remain open to the people as in the past. Unlike the previous election, Sharma runs his campaign from the Congress district office, assisted by his family. He assures the people of his unwavering support regardless of the outcome, addressing a major grievance against Rahul, who failed to return after his 2019 loss.
Away from the hustle and bustle, a Dalit family reveals the absence of any electoral outreach from either party. While hesitant to voice her opinion, Krishnawati, the matriarch, expresses support for the 'Hindu party,' echoing the sentiments of her daughter, Rekha, who believes that Hindus should vote for a 'Hindu party.'
The Amethi contest encapsulates the complex interplay of national and local factors. While the 'Modi factor' buoys Irani, the Gandhi legacy guides Sharma, and voters grapple with their choices amidst a mix of aspirations and grievances.
Source: In Amethi, Modi factor keeps Smriti Irani afloat, Gandhi hand steadies aide’s boat