wayanad-reacts-to-rahul-gandhi-s-decision-to-contest-from-raebareli

Rahul Gandhi's recent decision to contest the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, alongside his victory in Kerala's Wayanad constituency, has evoked mixed reactions among the people of Wayanad.

 

Following elections held in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat on April 26, opinions varied among locals regarding Gandhi's dual candidacy.

 

While some individuals expressed support for his decision, citing his leadership role in the country, others raised concerns about the potential implications for Wayanad.

 

At a roadside shop in Wayanad, one individual remarked that there was no issue with Gandhi contesting from two seats, emphasizing his leadership within the INDIA bloc.

 

Conversely, another resident suggested that if Gandhi were to win both seats, it was likely he would vacate the Wayanad constituency, which could have repercussions for the area.

 

Despite differing opinions among locals, veteran Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader PK Kunhalikutty voiced support for Gandhi's decision, highlighting the party's request for him to contest from an additional seat.

 

"We (IUML) requested the Congress party's national leadership that Rahul should contest from one more seat other than Wayanad. Did not PM Modi contest from two seats in the past? We feel that this decision will be a boost for the INDIA bloc," Kunhalikutty remarked.

 

In the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi secured victory in Wayanad but faced defeat in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi constituency.

His contenders in Wayanad included CPI leader Annie Raja and state BJP president K. Surendran.