What Rahul told Amethi candidate KL Sharma after losing polls to Smriti Irani in 2019

Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma, representing the family bastion of the Gandhis in Amethi, shared insights into a conversation he had with Rahul Gandhi following the loss to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Smriti Irani in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

Speaking to the Indian Express Sharma disclosed that following his electoral defeat Rahul Gandhi had requested a comprehensive review to identify any inadequacies or grievances among the populace. The investigation highlighted, two primary issues: intimidation by the BJP-led government, resulting in harassment of Congress party workers and internal deficiencies were also identified within the party.

Further, Sharma noted a growing sentiment among residents of Amethi that past decisions may have been erroneous and require rectification.

When asked about the shortcomings, the Amethi candidate revealed there was a sense of uncertainty among the workers of the party. Lack of monitoring also contributed to the defeat. He suggested that addressing these factors could have potentially managed a margin of 55,000 votes effectively.

Significantly, the BJP mocked and targeted Rahul Gandhi for choosing not to contest from the Amethi seat fearing another defeat and instead opted for the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency, a seat won by his mother in 2019.