Wayanad Divided: Mixed Reactions to Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Candidacy in Raebareli and Wayanad

GG News Bureau
Wayanad, 3rd May. The decision of Rahul Gandhi, former Congress President, to contest from the Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, in addition to Wayanad, has sparked mixed reactions among the residents of Kerala’s Wayanad.

Elections for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat were held on April 26, and the announcement of Gandhi’s dual candidacy prompted varied opinions among the locals. While some individuals expressed support, citing no issue with him contesting from two seats, others criticized the move.

At a local shop in Wayanad, opinions diverged. One individual stated that there was nothing inappropriate about Gandhi’s decision, emphasizing his leadership role in the “INDIA bloc.” Conversely, another voiced concerns that if Gandhi were to win both seats, he might vacate the Wayanad constituency, which could adversely impact the region.

However, PK Kunhalikutty, a veteran leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), offered his support, asserting the legitimacy of Gandhi’s decision to contest from Raebareli alongside Wayanad.

Kunhalikutty highlighted that the IUML had requested the Congress party’s national leadership to consider Gandhi’s candidacy from another seat, drawing parallels with Prime Minister Modi’s past dual candidacy. He expressed optimism that Gandhi’s decision would bolster the “INDIA bloc.”

In the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi emerged victorious from the Wayanad constituency but faced defeat in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. This time in Wayanad, he contested against CPI leader Annie Raja and the state BJP president K. Surendran.