Sister Priyanka by his side, Rahul files nomination from Wayanad
Congress President Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Wayanad, Kerala, on Thursday, as his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanied him. This is the first time the leader is contesting from two seats in Lok Sabha elections, the first being Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. The brother-sister duo was reportedly greeted by dozens of Congress supporters. They will now hold a roadshow. Here's more.
After filing nomination, Rahul held roadshow
Rahul explained why he chose Wayanad
Reportedly, the constituency was suggested to Rahul by Kerala Congress workers who opined his candidature would boost the party's prospects in South India. Speaking about his decision to contest from twin seats, Rahul said on Wednesday, "South India feels hostility from Narendra Modi; I wanted to send a message that I am standing with you." Notably, Wayanad has traditionally voted for Congress.
Take care of my courageous brother, tweeted Priyanka
PM Modi said Rahul was scared of "Hindu anger"
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came up with his own theory to attack Rahul's Wayanad candidature. PM Modi said since Congress legitimized the term "Hindu terror", Rahul chose a seat where Hindus were a minority. He added the party was scared of "Hindu anger" and boasted Hindus have never been involved in terror activities. Separately, BJP claimed Rahul "ran away" from Amethi.
Meanwhile, NDA fielded ally from Wayanad
Rather than relying on a biggie, BJP chose Thushar Vellappally to take on Rahul. Vellappally heads BJP's ally BDJS (Bharat Dharma Jana Sena) and is the son of Vellappally Natesan, the chief of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP). Vellappally expressed confidence in himself and said citizens will not vote for a non-Malayalee. He claimed he has the support of Hindus, Christians, and Muslims.
BJP's Smriti Irani may also campaign for Vellappally
Wayanad's geography holds importance as well. The constituency shares borders with Karnataka as well as Tamil Nadu and could help Congress consolidate workers in the three states. To counter this, BJP has reportedly decided to send Smriti Irani to Wayanad. Smriti is poised to take on Rahul in Amethi and could also campaign for Vellappally for two days in Wayanad.
Left wasn't happy with Congress' move
Notably, Left has fielded PP Suneer from Wayanad. The party was upset when Rahul's name was announced and said Congress wasn't willing to defeat BJP but was instead fighting "secular" forces. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "By contesting from a state where LDF has the upper hand, they are giving the message that their main opponent is LDF." Wayanad will vote on April 23.
