Amethi sees tit-for-tat between Smriti, Priyanka

In this high-stakes battle, there is a tit-for-tat going on between Smriti Irani and Priyanka Gandhi.

If Smriti is leading a high-decibel campaign, Priyanka has not lagged behind. If Smriti calls Priyanka “uncouth to the core” for allegedly getting kids to abuse Narendra Modi, Priyanka, campaigning for her brother Rahul, has lashed out at the Union minister for “insulting people of Amethi” by distributing shoes.

Smriti is an outsider, says Priyanka, and adds, “Amethi is my father’s karmabhoomi”.

This is just one example. In this high-octane campaign, Smriti has promoted a pickle brand, gifted sarees and arranged the screening of a film on the Uri attack.

She tweeted “#BhaagRahulBhaag” when Rahul Gandhi’s candidature for Wayanad was announced. When he filed a nomination in the Kerala constituency, she tweeted that it was an insult to the Amethi voters.

Priyanka, the Congress in-charge for eastern UP, has held meetings with office-bearers and block coordinators of the party in this family stronghold. She has told them to remind people of “what the Gandhis have done for them so far”.

Smriti has opened a new campaign office just outside Gauriganj which is bustling with activity. When DH visited the office, the local leaders and workers were busy preparing for Saturday’s Amit Shah roadshow in Amethi.

Party’s Lok Sabha campaign in-charge K K Singh told DH that party workers are visiting every house and “our victory is certain”.