Political News: Priyanka Quits Varanasi Race Against Modi; Heres Why

Speculations were rife that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi. However, the Congress today confirmed that it is not Priyanka, but Ajay Rai would once again be its candidate from the seat. This decision left many in Varanasi in great disappointment, thinking Priyanka as the strongest candidate.

In fact, a few Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party workers also hoped the Congress would field Priyanka opposite Modi. Yesterday, Samajwadi Party announced Shalini Yadav's name as its candidate from the seat, who is the daughter-in-law of Shyam Lal Yadav of the Congress. He represented Varanasi in the Lok Sabha in 1984.

Gossips went around thinking that the SP would withdraw its candidate if the Congress fields Priyanka in Varanasi. It is reported that weavers of famous Banarasi sarees have continued to leave the city, to settle in other cities. Also, the city's wooden toy industry is on bleak. Both of these businesses have been largely affected with GST, misleading weavers that they needed to pay the tax as well. It is vividly seen that Varanasi no more like 2014. People's opinions have distinctly changed.

Congress believes Modi is unbeatable in Varanasi. Hence, opted out Priyanka as the party wants her to campaign for winnable seats for the next four phases. It also focussed on 18-seats across UP for a good fight.  Varanasi is impossible to win and a loss by a big margin could hurt Priyanka's future career. Also the chances are high that Priyanka might contest in bi-elections from either Wayand or Amethi, that Rahul Gandhi is expected to win in both and the vacate one of them. Varanasi goes to polls on May 19.




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