New Delhi: In a significant political development, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot declared Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Gehlot stated that the decision was reached collectively by all 26 opposition parties forming the I.N.D.I.A. bloc after thorough discussions. Speaking with Media, Gehlot emphasized that Rahul Gandhi had been chosen as the opposition's prime ministerial nominee. He noted the influence of local dynamics while stressing that public sentiment has compelled the various opposition parties, united against the ruling BJP-led government, to forge an alliance.
Gehlot also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid displaying "arrogance." He pointed out that in the 2014 elections, the BJP secured power with a vote share of only 31%, while the remaining 69% expressed opposition. Furthermore, Gehlot alleged that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) exhibited apprehension during a meeting of the I.N.D.I.A. coalition in Bengaluru this July. Responding to claims that the NDA aims to secure 50% of the vote in 2024, Gehlot confidently stated, "PM Modi will never be able to achieve that." He highlighted that even at the peak of his popularity, Modi couldn't attain a 50% vote share. He emphasized that the outcome of the 2024 elections will decide the country's next Prime Minister.
Gehlot continued to assert that the BJP's victory in the 2014 elections was possible largely due to the Congress party's role. However, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla interpreted Congress' move as strategic, asserting that the party is positioning Rahul Gandhi as the face of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Poonawalla questioned the status of other potential prime ministerial candidates like Nitish Kumar, Sharad Pawar, and Mamata Banerjee, given Congress' unilateral announcement. He also highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party's opposition to projecting Rahul Gandhi as a united opposition contender against Prime Minister Modi.
Poonawalla took to social media to express his views, noting, "Even though there is no vacancy in 2024, the mere projection of Rahul over others pretty much settles the fact that Congress considers Rahul to be above Mamata, Sharad Pawar, Nitish & Arvind Kejriwal – all of whom have served or are serving as CMs!!"
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