The Congress party has made it clear that not contesting from Varanasi was Priyanka Gandhi's decision as she wanted to focus on the Lok Sabha Election 2019 campaign. "It [not contesting from Varanasi] was Priyanka ji's decision, she has other responsibilities," Sam Pitroda, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi said today.
"She [Priyanka Gandhi] thought rather than concentrating on one seat she should focus on the job she has at hand. So, that decision was her and she decided it," Sam Pitroda, Indian Overseas Congress Chief said.
Congress on Thursday declared Ajay Rai as its candidate from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, ending speculation of PM Modi vs Priyanka Gandhi face-off.
PM Modi filed his nomination papers from Varanasi today. PM Modi was greeted by thousands of supporters who showered petals as his cavalcade passed through the streets of Kashi.
PM offered prayers at the temple of Bhagavan Kaal Bhairav, who has also referred as Kotwal of Kashi ahead of his nomination today.
The Congress party is facing questions after Priyanka Gandhi chose not to contest from Varanasi. Senior BJP leader and union minister Arun Jaitley tweeted his disappointment over Priyanka's decision and said, "India has changed, dynasties don’t matter. Her exit from the contest shows what matters."
Meanwhile, a day after the decision, Priyanka Gandhi attended a public meeting in Gursarai, where she urged people to vote for Congress.