Raebareili: In her debut public address during the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaign, Congress leader and AICC President Sonia Gandhi urged the residents of Raebareli to embrace her son Rahul Gandhi just as they embraced her, assuring them that "he won't let them down." This marked Sonia Gandhi's return to public speaking in Raebareli, her former constituency, after a prolonged absence, as she reminisced about the enduring ties between the Gandhi family and the people of the region. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanied her during the address.

"I am delighted to have the chance to connect with you after such a long time... You bestowed upon me the opportunity to represent you as an MP, which is the greatest treasure of my life. Our family's roots have been intertwined with the soil of this land for the past 100 years. This bond is as sacred as the river Ganga. It traces back to the farmer's movement in Awadh and Raebareli," Sonia Gandhi expressed in her public speech.

Expressing gratitude to the residents of Raebareli, the AICC President shared that she imparted the same values and principles to her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, that she learned from the constituents and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. "Raebareli held a special place in Indira Ji's heart. I witnessed her dedication closely; she had immense affection for all of you. I instilled the same teachings in Rahul and Priyanka, the values bestowed upon me by Indira Ji and the people of Raebareli; Respect all, protect the weak, fight against injustice for people's rights, fearlessness, for the foundation of our struggle is robust," Sonia Gandhi affirmed.

"My protective shelter has always been filled with your love and affection. Your love has never let me feel isolated. Everything I have belongs to you... I am entrusting my son to you. Just as you accepted me, you must accept and embrace Rahul. He will not let you down," the Congress leader made an emotional plea to the residents.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Raebareli, the former constituency of his mother. Sonia Gandhi represented the seat for four consecutive terms since 2004, before transitioning to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year.

In Amethi, another stronghold of the Congress where the party faced defeat in 2019, incumbent MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani is competing against Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma, a steadfast supporter of the Gandhi family. The Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) has also nominated Nanhe Singh Chauhan for the seat.

Voting for both constituencies is scheduled for May 20 during the fifth phase of elections. Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats are being contested across all seven phases, with vote counting set for June 4.

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