Posters slamming Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma have surfaced in Amethi just ahead of Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to the constituency. The posters, which carry the slogan 'Do saal Kishori, tumne laal kya kiya' (Two years Kishori, what have you done in red), directly question Sharma's performance as a Member of Parliament. They compare his tenure with that of former Union Minister and ex-MP Smriti Irani, who represented Amethi from 2019 to 2024.
Context of the Posters
The emergence of these posters comes at a time when political temperatures are rising in Amethi, a traditional Congress stronghold that was wrested by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2019 general elections. Rahul Gandhi, who lost the Amethi seat to Smriti Irani in 2019, is expected to visit the constituency soon as part of the Congress's efforts to regain its foothold. The posters, which have appeared in several parts of the town, are seen as a direct attack on Kishori Lal Sharma, who was elected as the Congress MP from Amethi in the 2024 elections after a fierce battle.
Comparison with Smriti Irani
The posters highlight the perceived lack of development under Sharma's leadership, contrasting it with the work done by Smriti Irani during her term. Irani, who served as the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, was known for her aggressive campaigning and focus on infrastructure projects in Amethi. The posters accuse Sharma of failing to deliver on promises and neglecting the constituency's needs.
Political analysts suggest that the posters could be the work of local BJP supporters or even disgruntled Congress workers. The timing, just before Rahul Gandhi's visit, is seen as an attempt to embarrass the Congress leadership and highlight internal dissent. However, Congress leaders have dismissed the posters as a cheap political stunt by the BJP.
Reactions from Political Parties
The Congress party has condemned the posters, calling them a desperate attempt by the BJP to divert attention from the issues facing the country. A Congress spokesperson stated, 'These posters are the work of frustrated elements who cannot accept the democratic mandate of the people. Kishori Lal Sharma has worked tirelessly for Amethi, and the people of the constituency are with him.'
On the other hand, the BJP has welcomed the posters, claiming that they reflect the true feelings of the people of Amethi. A local BJP leader said, 'The people of Amethi have seen the difference between the work of Smriti Irani and Kishori Lal Sharma. These posters are a testament to the failure of the Congress in delivering development.'
Upcoming Visit of Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi's visit to Amethi is expected to galvanize Congress workers and address the concerns raised by the posters. The party is planning a series of public meetings and outreach programs to counter the negative narrative. Gandhi is likely to highlight the achievements of the Congress government in the state and promise further development for Amethi.
As the political battle heats up, all eyes are on Amethi, which remains a key constituency for both the Congress and the BJP. The posters have added a new dimension to the ongoing political discourse, with both parties gearing up for a fierce showdown.
