Union minister and prominent leader of Bharatiya Janata Party, Smriti Irani, filed her nomination papers from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency on Monday.

Accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and several other leaders, Irani led a spirited roadshow from the BJP office in Gauriganj before formally submitting her nomination papers.

The roadshow, which was received with considerable enthusiasm by supporters, came to a halt approximately 200 metres before the Collectorate, adhering to the directives issued by the district magistrate.

Joining the procession were Uttar Pradesh minister Mayankashwar Sharan Singh and Irani’s husband, Zubin Irani, further bolstering the show of support for the BJP candidate.

Irani’s decision to contest from Amethi, considered a stronghold of the Gandhi family, comes on the heels of her historic victory over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 parliamentary election.

“After filing my nomination today, I am committed to serving the people of Amethi,” Irani told reporters.

“Over the past five years, significant strides have been made in Amethi, including the construction of 1,14,000 houses under the PM Awas Yojana, the provision of electricity connections to 1.5 lakh families, and assistance to over four lakh farmers through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. I am confident that the people will once again bless Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP,” she said.

While the Congress is yet to announce its candidate from Amethi, speculations abound that Rahul Gandhi will opt to contest from Amethi once more.

Amethi will vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20, setting the stage for a keenly contested electoral battle.