Akshata Sharma
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LUDHIANA: Kishori Lal Sharma's household in Ludhiana erupted in celebrations as the trusted lieutenant of the Gandhi family defeated BJP's Smriti Irani by over 1.67 lakh votes in Amethi.
As Congress's Sharma took a lead in early counting rounds, relatives and friends gathered at his home in Shivaji Nagar area of the Punjab city, filling the air with cheers. Neighbours, supporters and well-wishers joined in, bringing flowers and congratulatory messages. Sharma is the first non-Gandhi Congress MP of Amethi in 25 years.
The Gandhis have been contesting Amethi since 1999. Rahul won it thrice in a row (2004, 2009, and 2014) but lost to Smriti by 55,000 votes in 2019.
Punjab Congress working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who considers Sharma his political mentor, and other state party functionaries had gone to Amethi to campaign for him.
Sharma's wife Kiren is still in Amethi. "This is a monumental achievement. People of Amethi have blessed us with this victory and we are grateful," Kiren said.
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