Priyanka Gandhi heaps praise on Congress' Amethi pick Kishori Lal Sharma

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi heaped praise on the party's Amethi pick Kishori Lal Sharma, saying that he has known the UP constituency for the last 40 years.

Sharma was the key person who looked after the two prestigious constituencies on behalf of the Gandhis.

While addressing the people of Amethi before going to Raebareli to attend her brother Rahul Gandhi filing nomination papers, Priyanka said, "I am in a rush because I have to leave for Raebareli to attend the nomination filing of 'bhaiya' (Rahul Gandhi). Kishori Lal Sharma is going to contest from Amethi. You all have known him for the last 40 years. He is very well aware of all the issues faced by Amethi. He has served you for the last 40 years, and I have seen him doing his work diligently. We will fight together and will ensure Kishori Lal Sharma's victory."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been an MP from Amethi thrice, will contest the Lok Sabha election from the Rae Bareli, the constituency held by his mother Sonia Gandhi earlier.

The two seats will go to polls on May 20 in the fifth of the seven-phase general election.
In the run up to the polls, speculations were rife that Priyanka Gandhi may contest from either Amethi or Raebareli.

Ending days of suspense, the party early Friday announced the candidates from the two seats.
Deliberations had been going on in the party since Thursday on the names of the contenders for the two seats, which have been traditionally held by the members of the Gandhi-Nehru family.

The BJP had on Thursday announced Dinesh Pratap Singh as its candidate from Rae Bareli. He had lost to Sonia Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.