Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Rae Bareli

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination for the Raebareli parliamentary seat on Friday, surrounded by mother Sonia Gandhi, sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and senior party colleagues — including Mallikarjun Kharge, sparking contrasting emotions in the prestigious Uttar Pradesh seat that has landed at the centre of a big political debate.

In the morning, Congress and ally Samajwadi Party (SP)’s workers gathered at the Congress party’s office; their flags fluttering side by side, in an indication that they stood united behind Rahul, whose candidature was announced after a prolonged suspense and only on the last day of nomination-filing for the seat.

Media cameras zoomed in on Rahul’s cavalcade as it moved towards the collectorate, where he would file his nomination moments later. In a show of adulation, Congress workers turned up in large numbers.

Photos emerged on social media showing Rahul handing the papers to polling officials and smiling at the camera. There was no confusion anymore. A Gandhi had returned to the Raebareli fight amid “zindabad” slogans.