Congress Unveils Initial List Of 39 Candidates For Lok Sabha Elections; Rahul Gandhi To Run In Wayanad

Source: Congress

Of the 39 candidates, 15 belong to the general caste, while 24 are from SC/ST/minority communities. The Congress leadership emphasized that considerable thought went into ensuring a balanced representation across various demographics.

The candidates' names were finalized during the first meeting of the Central Election Committee, chaired by President Mallikarjun Kharge, with Rahul Gandhi participating via Zoom. While there's anticipation regarding whether Rahul Gandhi will contest a second seat, such as Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, no decision has been made yet. Further discussions on candidates for other states are expected in subsequent meetings.

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The Congress party has been actively ramping up its election campaign in recent weeks. Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which is currently in Gujarat and will conclude in Mumbai, has been a focal point. The party has also made several promises, including legislation for minimum support price (MSP), a caste census, and social security for gig workers. Additionally, they've announced five commitments aimed at the youth, including job security and freedom from exam pressure.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to defend his seat, Shashi Tharoor emphasized his commitment to a fair and positive campaign. Regarding pending decisions on Delhi seats, KC Venugopal clarified that candidate selection is based solely on merit and winnability, with no internal conflicts over ticket distribution.