Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, has officially entered the electoral fray by submitting his nomination papers from Wayanad. The decision to contest from Wayanad holds symbolic significance, as it signifies Congress’s commitment to strengthen its presence in South India. Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy from Wayanad aimed to resonate with voters in Kerala and neighbouring states, highlighting the party’s focus on regional representation and inclusivity.
In a show of strength and solidarity, Rahul spearheaded a grand roadshow in Wayanad, Kerala, on Wednesday, April 3, marking the commencement of his nomination filing process for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Adding to the fervor, his sister and Congress General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stood by his side throughout the event. Having clinched victory in the Wayanad constituency during the 2019 Parliamentary polls with an impressive margin exceeding four lakh votes, Rahul Gandhi arrived at Muppainad village via helicopter before embarking on a road journey to Kalpetta, as confirmed by party sources.
Rahul is set to file his nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala on Wednesday, marking a crucial step in his electoral journey. Accompanied by a massive show of support, Rahul Gandhi will lead a grand roadshow in Kalpetta town on the same day, signalling the launch of his election campaign in the region. The roadshow is expected to draw thousands of United Democratic Front (UDF) workers from seven assembly constituencies under the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.
Nomination filing ceremony
Following the roadshow, Rahul Gandhi will formally submit his nomination papers to Wayanad District Collector Renu Raj at her office in Kalpetta. Several prominent leaders, including KPCC president K Sudhakaran, Ramesh Chennithala, P K Kunhalikutty, and Panakkad Sayed Abbas Ali Shihab Thangal, will accompany him during the nomination filing process.
Electoral landscape
Kerala is gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for April 26, with all 20 parliamentary seats up for grabs. Rahul Gandhi faces stiff competition from CPI leader Annie Raja and BJP’s state president K Surendran in the Wayanad constituency.
Previous victory and criticism
In the 2019 polls, Rahul Gandhi secured a resounding victory from Wayanad, clinching the seat with the highest margin in the state. However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Rahul’s decision to contest against CPI leader Annie Raja, questioning its alignment with the vision of the I.N.D.I.A bloc.
BJP’s critique
Meanwhile, the BJP's K Surendran, Gandhi’s opponent in Wayanad, criticised him for alleged absenteeism in the constituency during critical times such as floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Surendran’s comments add to the growing political discourse surrounding the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat as the election fervour intensifies.
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