Varun Gandhi, the 33-year-old parliamentarian from the BJP, launched his campaign for the national election today in a part of Uttar Pradesh that has for decades been loyal to his estranged aunt and cousin, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.  

Varun, General Secretary of the BJP, made an emotional pitch to the people of Sultanpur in Eastern Uttar Pradesh today, emphasizing his family's long connect to the region. "The last time I was here, it was in my mother's womb. I have returned as a man. Let me shoulder your burden," he said.

Sultanpur is expected to be Varun's new constituency when the BJP goes public with its list of candidates for Uttar Pradesh. He won the last election from Pilibhit in the northern part of the state, which used to be represented by his mother, Maneka.  

If Varun shifts base to Sultanpur, he will be entering the turf of the other branch of the famous Gandhi family. Read more