Congress loyalist K.L. Sharma filed his nomination from Amethi Lok Sabha seat here on Friday. Sharma filed his papers at the collectorate, accompanied by local Congress leaders.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra earlier in the day urged the public in Amethi to vote for Sharma. Soon after her arrival in the constituency, Priyanka headed for the party office in Gauriganj and met Sharma. She also addressed party workers to ensure his victory.
She later left for Raebareli to accompany Rahul Gandhi who will file his nomination from the constituency earlier represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi.
Sharma's candidature from the Amethi seat was announced early Friday, the last day for filing of nomination for the polling slated in the fifth phase on May 20. Sharma is pitted against BJP leader and sitting MP Smriti Irani.
Talking to presspersons after filing his nomination, Sharma said, “Who will win or lose from here (Amethi), it's in people's hands, we will work hard. Election is just a formality, people make their mood for those who work for them. The people of Amethi are in my heart. I have been here for 40 years. I am following what has been directed to me by the top leadership. I just want people to give me a chance in their service,” ANI reported.
Earlier, reacting on Rahul Gandhi’s candidature from Raebareli, Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "No member of the Gandhi family contesting from Amethi in itself is an indication that Congress has accepted its defeat from Amethi even before elections,” ANI reported.
-with inputs from agencies.