Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you'

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi on Friday (May 17) made an emotional appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, urging them to accept her son, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with open arms, just as they accepted her.

She further asserted during her very first public address amid the ongoing Lok Sabha election campaign that Rahul "won't disappoint them".

Recalling the 'age-old' roots of the Gandhi family with the people of the constituency in the northern state, the AICC chief expressed gratitude to the residents of the city.

"I am very happy that I got the opportunity to come among you after so long...You all gave me the opportunity to serve you as an MP, this is the biggest treasure of my life. For the last 100 years, the roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relation is as pure as Ganga Maa. It started with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli," Sonia Gandhi said addressing the public meeting.

'There was special place for Raebareli in Indira Ji's heart'

She then said that she had imparted the same teachings to both her children, Rahul as well as Priyanka, that she had learnt from the people of the constituency while serving as the MP and also from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

#WATCH | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: Addressing a public rally, Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi says, "The roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relation, as pure as Ganga ma, began with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli. In Indira Ji's heart,… pic.twitter.com/QnDrSe5gw2 — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2024

"In Indira Ji's heart, there was a special place for Raebareli. I have seen her working very closely, she had immense affection for you all. I have given the same teachings to Rahul and Priyanka, that Indira Ji and the people of Raebareli had bestowed upon me; Respect all, protect the weak, fight for people's rights against injustice, don't be sacred, because the roots of struggle is very strong," Sonia said.

"My aanchal (end of a saari, also refers to protective shelter) was always filled with your love and affection. Your love never made me feel alone. Everything I have is yours...I am handing over my son to you. You have to accept him and keep him, just like you accepted me. Rahul will not disappoint you," the Congress leader said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to contest the general elections from Raebareli, which is the erstwhile constituency of his mother.

Sonia, since the year 2004, held the constituency for four consecutive terms before she decided to take over as the Rajya Sabha MP earlier this year.

The grand old party lost its other bastion Amethi to BJP in the year 2019. BJP has nominated incumbent MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani to contest the seat in the current elections, whereas the Congress has fielded its long-time loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma.

Polling on both the seats will be held on May 20, which is the fifth phase of the ongoing elections.

(With inputs from agencies)