Rahul Gandhi to file nomination from Wayanad on Thursday; Arrives in Kerala with sister Priyanka

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, will file his nomination around 11.30 AM on Thursday.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi (L) with party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi. PTI Photo (File)

KOZHIKODE: Congress president Rahul Gandhi arrived in Kerala late Wednesday evening and will file his nomination around 11.30 AM on Thursday from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, from where he is contesting in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi's sister and AICC in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also arrived here. She will accompany her brother to Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi arrived at Karipur Airport here around 9.30 PM to a tumultuous welcome by hundreds of party workers. Priyanka, who came separately, reached shortly before her brother arrived. A large number of young party workers holding Congress and ally Indian Union Muslim League flags were seen lustily cheering as Rahul Gandhi came out of the airport. He waved at them. The Congress chief was received by Chennithala, Oommen Chandy, Mullappally Ramachandran, IUML leaders P K Kunhalikutty and ET Muhammed Basheer and others.

Congress President @RahulGandhi is received by a huge crowd of well wishers as he arrives in Calicut to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from the Wayanad constituency. @INCKerala pic.twitter.com/aKcjl9lMOp

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 3, 2019

Later he and Priyanka left for the guest house through a secure route from airport. "Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka have already left for the guest house. Rahul might meet the senior leaders tonight. UDF workers are excited over his candidature,"  senior party leader Ramesh Chennithala said. Chandy said Rahul's candidature in Wayanad will lead the UDF to a complete victory in the April 23 polls. After overnight stay at the guest house here, the two leaders will leave for Wayanad Thursday morning. "The Congress chief will embark on a massive road show at around 9.30 AM before filing the nomination papers," Chennithala said. Wasnik claimed the announcement of Gandhi's candidature in Wayanad has enthused the people of the constituency and made a major difference in other states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. "It will get reflected in the voting," he said. Earlier, sources said the Congress chief would board a helicopter to Wayanad, about 90 km from here, to file his nomination. Tight security is in place in Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in view of the high-profile visits. The Congress announced on Sunday that Gandhi would contest from Wayanad constituency, besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi. Gandhi has claimed that the people in South India "feel hostility" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad to send out the message that he stands with them. (With inputs from PTI)