Amethi all set for Rahul-Smriti battle

The way my father was dedicated to the welfare of people of Amethi, my brother too is committed, said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as she tried to strike an emotional chord with the voters.

Sitting MP and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is seeking to defend his turf and win the Amethi seat for the fourth time. His main challenger is Union minister Smriti Irani, who brought down Rahul's victory margin to just over a lakh in 2014.

Priyanka's canvassing for her brother centred on emotion as she went around greeting locals, addressing them as "family members" and recalling the old days when her father, the late Rajiv Gandhi, used to represent Amethi.

"I used to come here with my father as a 12 year old. I have seen this arid land turn green after my father came here. The way my father was dedicated to the people of Amethi, my brother is also committed," Priyanka told the people.

Campaigning for the seat ended Saturday for the May 6 elections.

Charges have been flying thick and fast with the Congress accusing the BJP of trying to bribe voters and the BJP slamming the grand old party for taking the segment for granted.

While campaigning for her brother, Priyanka said, "I am sending the Congress manifesto in an envelope to the people. They are sending you Rs 20,000 each. They think they can buy you with votes. They are mistaken. I have learnt so much from you."
For Uma Shankar Pathak, an old timer, "The Nehru family gave this place its identity though there has not been adequate development."
According to another local Bhola Nath, "For the sake of the Gandhi family's legacy, people may still vote for Rahul Gandhi here."