New Delhi: After conceding defeat in Amethi, Union Minister Smriti Irani announced on Tuesday that she remains committed to serving the people of Amethi. Congress's Amethi candidate and Gandhi family loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma is emerging as a giant-slayer, holding a lead of nearly 100,000 votes over BJP's Smriti Irani, as per the Election Commission data.

How Smriti Reacted to Losing Amethi

"...I express my gratitude to all the BJP party workers and supporters, those who have worked in the service of the constituency and the party with utmost dedication and fidelity...Today, I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath that their governments have completed the pending works of 30 years in just 5 years. I congratulate those who win. I will continue to be in the service of the people of Amethi..."

When Priyanka Congratulated Kishori Lal Sharma

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra congratulated Kishori Lal Sharma as he looked on course to win the Gandhi family bastion, saying she was sure from the beginning that he would win.

"Kishori bhaiya, I never had any doubts, I was sure from the beginning that you would win. Hearty congratulations to you and my dear brothers and sisters of Amethi!" Priyanka Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.

Priyanka Gandhi had camped in the family bastions of Rae Bareli and Amethi for about two weeks and campaigned extensively for Sharma and her brother Rahul Gandhi, who contested from Rae Bareli.

Amethi Lok Sabha Election Result 2024

Kishori Lal Sharma, initially considered an underdog, surprised many by leading against Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi. Irani had previously defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, adding significance to Sharma's potential victory.The BJP claimed the Gandhis were scared to contest in Amethi after Irani's previous win. The Congress defended its choice of Sharma, citing his decades of experience working as an MP's representative in Amethi and Rae Bareli.
Sharma's familiarity with the local population was highlighted as a key reason for his candidacy.