Return To BJP Or New Role In Congress? What Could Be Ajay Rai's Next Move After Removal As UPCC Chief

UP Elections: Ahead of the much-awaited Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, the infighting in Congress has escalated significantly in the past few weeks. Ajay Rai, former party state president, days after being removed from the key post, remained absent from Rahul Gandhi-led INDIA Bloc's march in Delhi over the alleged poll-rigging. While Rai did not release any public statement, his absence raised speculations, as the party had directed all the senior leaders to be present during the protest.

Is Ajay Rai Upset?

Rai, despite losing the state president's post in Congress, maintained that he remains loyal to Rahul Gandhi and the party. However, a massive clash broke out between his supporters and those of senior party leader Mamata Chaudhary during a ceremony at the party office in Lucknow.

As per the reports, Rai got involved in a dispute with the party state in-charge, Rajendra Pal Gautam, over the seat-sharing talks with the Samajwadi Party. The party high command reportedly appointed Aradhana Misra, daughter of senior leader Pramod Tiwari, as party state chief to ease the seat-sharing talks with the Akhilesh Yadav-led party.

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What Could Be His Move?

While Rai has been sidelined ahead of the key polls, the Congress leader could get a key role in the party's organization, probably in some other state, reported India Today, citing party sources. However, if ignored for a longer time, Rai could also choose to rejoin the BJP. He was with the saffron party for over a decade and was elected an MLA on its ticket three times.

Ajay Rai's Significance

Ajay Rai remains a key figure for Congress as he has contested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in the Lok Sabha polls. A major turning point came during the 2024 polls when he even remained ahead of Modi for multiple rounds; however, he ended up losing. The reports suggest that Rai could also be a given key role in Gujarat, given his track record of competing against the prime minister.

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