Why Priyanka Gandhi is not contesting polls? What Congress said

NEW DELHI: When Sonia Gandhi announced her decision to quit electoral politics and not seek re-election from Rae Bareli, there were reports that Congress may opt for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to carry forward her legacy in the seat that has been a family bastion for decades.
However, the grand old party today announced that Rahul, and not Priyanka, would be the party's candidate from Rae Bareli.Hours after the announcement, Rahul filed his nomination papers flanked by Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi.
While Rahul's nomination from Rae Bareli did not come as a complete surprise, it did raise questions as to why Priyanka was not considered for her political debut from the Gandhi bastion?
The Congress party said that it is crucial that Priyanka Gandhi's role should not be limited to a single constituency.
"Priyanka ji is campaigning vigorously and is single-handedly silencing Narendra Modi’s lies. The way she responded to the canards that the PM was spreading on the abolition of estate duty in March 1985 was a stinging rebuke. That is why it was important that she should not be limited to just one constituency. She is campaigning across the country," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

Earlier today, PM Modi also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi's candidature from Rae Bareli and claimed that the Congress leader is seeking another seat due to the fear of defeat in Wayanad.
PM Modi said, "I had already told you that the prince is looking for another seat for himself due to fear of defeat in Wayanad. Now he had to run away from Amethi and choose the Rae Bareli seat."
"These people go around and tell everyone - Daro Mat! Don't be afraid! I would say the same thing to them - Daro mat! Bhago mat! don't be afraid! Do not run!" he added.
Meanwhile, Congress stated that Rae Bareli seat is "not an inheritance but a responsibility".
"Many people have many opinions on the news of Rahul Gandhi contesting elections from Rae Bareli. Remember, he is an experienced player of politics and chess. The party leadership takes its decisions after much discussion, and as part of a larger strategy," Jairam said.
"Rae Bareli has been the seat not only of Sonia ji but also of Indira Gandhi herself. It is not an inheritance; it is a responsibility and a duty," he added.
Amethi and Rae Bareli will go to polls on May 20 in the fifth of the seven-phase general election.