Rahul won’t disappoint you, Sonia tells Rae Bareli

New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) leader Sonia Gandhi made an emotional plea, “entrusting” her son Rahul Gandhi to the people of Rae Bareli, her former constituency, declaring, "Rahul will not disappoint you." She thanked the people for allowing her to serve as MP for 20 years. "Everything I have is because of you. So, brothers and sisters, I am giving you my son. Consider him as your own," she said.

The rally at Rae Bareli was attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and their alliance partner, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Trying to connect with the voters emotionally, Mrs Gandhi asked the people to embrace Rahul Gandhi as one of their own. "I have imparted the same lessons to Rahul and Priyanka that Indira Gandhi and the people of Rae Bareli taught me: to respect everyone, protect the vulnerable, and fight against injustice for the people's rights. Do not be afraid, because your history of struggle and traditions run deep," she said.

Sonia Gandhi was first elected MP from Rae Bareli in 2004 and represented the seat until earlier this year when she vacated it upon being elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Rae Bareli this time.

Mrs Gandhi also thanked the people of Rae Bareli for their support over the years. "You gave me the opportunity to serve you as MP for 20 years. This is the greatest asset of my life," she said.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav stated that the BJP had faced defeat in the first four phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, and the people of Uttar Pradesh had cornered the saffron party in the state. He criticised the BJP's handling of the farm bills and urged voters to reject the BJP.

Yadav accused the BJP of failing to fulfill promises of job creation and alleged deliberate leaking of question papers to avoid providing employment opportunities. "The papers for every exam were leaked, not just one, but more than 10 exams' papers," he asserted.