Political Tensions Rise in Amethi Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's Visit

As Rahul Gandhi prepares for a visit to Amethi, the political climate has heated up with the emergence of posters questioning local MP Kishori Lal Sharma's performance. These posters, which have appeared in various public locations, draw comparisons between Sharma's tenure and that of former MP Smriti Irani, highlighting perceived shortcomings. Political analysts view this campaign as significant, coinciding with Gandhi's visit and the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Responses from both Congress and BJP leaders reflect the charged atmosphere, with accusations of desperation and claims of development achievements. This unfolding situation sets the stage for a politically charged visit.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 11:04 IST

Political Climate Heats Up in Amethi

As Rahul Gandhi prepares for a one-day visit to Amethi, the political atmosphere has suddenly intensified. Mysterious posters targeting the local Congress MP, Kishori Lal Sharma, have appeared throughout the constituency. These posters have been spotted in key public areas, including the railway station, major intersections, the bus stand, the collectorate, and outside the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Munshiganj. They raise serious questions about the current Congress MP's performance and draw comparisons to the tenure of former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani.

Background on Rahul Gandhi and Kishori Lal Sharma

Rahul Gandhi served as the MP for Amethi from 2004 to 2019, until he was defeated by BJP's Smriti Irani in the last elections. Following this, he secured a seat in the Lok Sabha from Raebareli in 2024, while Sharma, a close associate of the Gandhi family, won the Amethi seat by defeating Irani. One of the posters seen on local walls questioned, 'Kishori, what have you done in two years?' It accused Sharma of providing only a school bus and an ambulance since taking office.

Claims Made in the Posters

The posters further claimed that the school bus was given to a school linked to a Congress leader, while the ambulance was utilized at a hospital operated by a trust associated with Sharma. Other posters compared Sharma's two-year term to Irani's five years, asserting that the former BJP MP had accomplished numerous development projects in Amethi related to roads, healthcare, education, and employment.

Political Analysts Weigh In

Political observers consider this poster campaign significant, especially as it coincides with Rahul Gandhi's upcoming visit and the preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. However, it remains unverified who is behind the poster distribution. Congress leaders have responded by labeling the posters as a manifestation of the BJP's desperation. Anupam Pandey, a member of the Railway Consumer Advisory Committee, remarked that the BJP is as restless as a fish out of water in Amethi.

BJP's Perspective

On the other hand, BJP district president Sudhanshu Shukla stated that the posters reflect the 'voice and sentiments' of the people of Amethi. He claimed that the development initiatives undertaken by Smriti Irani in Amethi surpass anything accomplished by Congress in 70 years. Shukla highlighted projects completed during Irani's tenure, including a medical college, an agricultural science center, a trauma center, a central school, a military school, a fertilizer rake center, ring roads, bypass construction, and improved road connectivity. He accused Congress of disregarding the sentiments of Amethi's residents and focusing solely on winning votes without prioritizing development.

Upcoming Visit

Rahul Gandhi is set to embark on a two-day tour of Raebareli and Amethi starting Tuesday.