Rahul Gandhi Should Contest From Pakistan's Rawalpindi, Says Ex-Congressman After Raebareli Pick

Acharya Pramod Krishnam, former Congress leader and aide of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Saturday made a shock claim alleging a conspiracy on part of Rahul Gandhi to sideline his sister within the party. He also said that Rahul Gandhi should contest from Rawalpindi, instead of Raebareli.

"I think Rahul Gandhi should contest from Rawalpindi instead of Raebareli, as his popularity and demand are increasing in Pakistan," Krishnam said.

In a startling claim, he added, "It's a big conspiracy against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Be it becoming the Congress President, Rajya Sabha MP, or now fighting Lok Sabha elections, she has always been the victim of conspiracy. Workers of Congress are unhappy that Rahul Gandhi is not contesting from Amethi. Supporters of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are very angry and post-4th June this anger will come out."

"The way Rahul Gandhi has left Amethi, Congress party workers' morale is down. Priyanka Gandhi not contesting the election, this is now taking the shape of a volcano in the hearts of her supporters that will erupt after June 4. Congress will break into two parts after June 4. Not a single leader, however big or small, can conspire against Priyanka Gandhi without support of Rahul Gandhi. Hence after 4th June, Congress will break into two parts - Congress (Rahul) and Congress (Priyanka)," he said.

Addressing rumours of Robert Vadra's potential candidacy in Amethi, Krishnam remarked, "Vadra can contest from any part of the country, why only Amethi? He is an educated and talented man. He can contest from any part of the country. He can fight as an independent candidate."

BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde too hinted at a conspiracy. He said, "Rahul Gandhi has filed his nomination from Raibarelly. We saw how posters of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were put up in Raibareli, but suddenly Rahul Gandhi decided to contest. congress believes in 'beta bachao, beta badao'

The Congress announced Rahul Gandhi's candidature from Raebareli, a key Lok Sabha constituency and Congress bastion in 80-seat strong Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul's nomination came amid rumours that the party was slated to field Priyanka from Raebareli and Rahul from Amethi.

Raebareli and Amethi go to polls on May 20.