Lok Sabha Elections 2024: At Sultanpur, This Gandhi 'Bahu' is Steering Clear of Ram Mandir and Modi, Focusing on Personal Bonds with Voters

Sultanpur- For Maneka Gandhi, a scion of the illustrious Gandhi family, the quest for a ninth term in Parliament represents a defining moment in her political journey.

Having etched her name as the longest-serving MP in the outgoing Lok Sabha, her candidacy in Sultanpur assumes paramount importance. However, her path to victory in this crucial constituency, where minorities constitute approximately 17% of the electorate, is fraught with complexities that demand delicate maneuvering.

As a consequence, she opts not to delve into the Ram Mandir issue during her speeches, choosing instead to highlight other pressing matters. Unlike her counterparts in the BJP, she tactfully avoids direct mentions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This strategic move holds significant weight, particularly because Ayodhya is merely an hour's drive from Sultanpur.

Maneka openly acknowledges, "I haven't made the Ram Mandir an issue here. Instead, I've prioritized my work and pledged to do even more for the people." She firmly believes, "People are primarily seeking solutions to their problems and desire a personal rapport with their representative."

Throughout the last five years, she asserts that she has diligently cultivated such connections by personally visiting every village, addressing local concerns, and advocating for all members of her constituency.

Affectionately known among her constituents as "Maatashree" or "Mother," Maneka narrowly defeated Chandrabhadra Singh of the Samajwadi Party-BSP alliance in Sultanpur by nearly 14,000 votes in 2019.

After vacating the seat for her son Varun from Pilibhit, it was her first election from Sultanpur.

This time around, Menaka faces tough competition from both the OBC contenders. The Congress-SP candidate Ram Bhual Nishad represents the significant Nishad community, while the BSP has fielded Uday Raj Verma, who belongs to the Kurmi community. This electoral zone also has a considerable SC population, comprising about 21% of the electorate, and where the BSP has previously tasted success twice, adding to Maneka's challenge.

During her campaign preparation meeting in Shastri Nagar area of Sultanpur last Saturday, it marked her 600th such gathering. Upon learning that local Muslim leaders sought an audience with her, she promptly welcomed them, solicited their support, and encouraged them to set aside past grievances for the upcoming election.

Others vied for her attention as well, including a young girl in need of dental implant following an accident.

Notably, prominent BJP figures Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have refrained from campaigning for her, although Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to hold a rally soon. Shah had campaigned for her in 2019.

On Saturday, BJP ally and Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad, along with BJP's Dalit representative Asim Arun, a minister in the Adityanath government, rallied in her support.

Despite this, Maneka remains content with her party's backing, remarking, "Everyone is working hard." She also enjoys support from Pilibhit, a constituency she has represented seven times.

Following his divergence from the BJP due to criticism of the Modi government, Varun, her son, joined her for canvassing on the final day, May 23. He had intended to join earlier but was preoccupied with other commitments.

Varun Gandhi, made a significant appearance in Sultanpur on Thursday to bolster his mother, Maneka Gandhi's election campaign. Addressing a public rally on the final day of canvassing in Sultanpur, Varun underscored the personal connection he shares with his mother.

He noted a unique aspect of Sultanpur's electoral landscape, where constituents don't just refer to their MP as a parliamentarian or minister but affectionately address them as "Mother."

With the aim of ensuring Maneka's continued representation as Sultanpur's Member of Parliament, she expressed confidence in Varun Gandhi's campaigning efforts, remarking, "We will certainly benefit from Varun's campaign."

She also urged voters to prioritize their individual interests when casting their votes, emphasizing, "Before voting, people should think about which MP can work for them. Only then should they vote."

This marks the first time Varun Gandhi has actively participated in the Lok Sabha election campaign in Sultanpur. While he was elected from Pilibhit in 2019, he was not fielded as a candidate by the BJP this time, leading him to take a backseat from the public limelight.

Maneka characterizes Sultanpur as a "well-managed electoral constituency" where her activities regarding local issues are closely monitored, mirroring her prominence in Pilibhit.

Opinions among local residents of Sultanpur are mixed, with some expressing contentment with recent developments while others from the labor and working-class segments are voicing a desire for change.

As Election Day looms closer, issues such as limited work opportunities, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, are gaining prominence among locals.