Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi made an announcement on Thursday to the voters of Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, conveying her decision not to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to health and age-related concerns. Emotionally addressing the constituents of the constituency she has represented since 2004, the 77-year-old hinted at the possibility of a family member stepping in to contest from Rae Bareli.
Expressing gratitude to her constituents for their unwavering support throughout her tenure, Sonia Gandhi stated, "I owe whatever I am today to your trust and support. However, due to health and age considerations, I have decided not to contest the next Lok Sabha election." Despite her withdrawal from direct service, she assured the people that her allegiance and affection for them would endure.
This announcement follows Sonia Gandhi's nomination filing for the Rajya Sabha seat from Rajasthan, which occurred a day earlier. There has been widespread speculation about the potential candidacy of her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, from the Rae Bareli constituency.
Sonia Gandhi's entry into the Rajya Sabha marks a significant milestone, making her the first from the Gandhi family to do so. She fondly reminisced about the deep-rooted ties her family shares with Rae Bareli, dating back to the election of her father-in-law, Feroze Gandhi, to the Lok Sabha in India's inaugural general election post-Independence.
Highlighting the enduring bond between her family and Rae Bareli, Sonia Gandhi acknowledged the constituency's unwavering support during challenging times. She expressed her appreciation for the constituency's steadfast backing during her tenure, particularly throughout the past two Lok Sabha elections.
Concluding her message with words of gratitude and anticipation, Sonia Gandhi conveyed her respect to the elders and affection to the younger generation, promising to reconnect with them soon.
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