Lok Sabha Polls: Rahul Gandhi to contest from Kerala's Wayanad and UP's Amethi, Congress confirms

"The request to field Gandhi from south India was mainly raised by party workers in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu,” said AK Antony.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has decided to contest election from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, other than Amethi in UP

Rahul Gandhi has given his consent to contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from two constituencies, Congress announced

He will contest from UP's Amethi, as well as Kerala's Wayanad

One of the major reasons for consideration was that it (Wayanad) is a trijunction of three southern states

New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi has given his consent for contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from two constituencies, one being his Uttar Pradesh turf Amethi and the other a south Indian constituency in Kerala- Wayanad, known for its picturesque locales and spices. Gandhi’s approval comes after weeks of ongoing speculations, and Congress’ Twitter war with BJP leader Smriti Irani, over his proposed candidature. In a press conference by Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala and senior party leader A K Antony, the party made the announcement about Gandhi’s south Indian bid. Congress will be pitched against Left in Wayanad. “For last so many weeks continuous requests and demands were rising from the Congress workers and partners, who said they feel Rahul Ji should contest one seat from south India, in the wake of present context.  This request was mainly raised by Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,” said Rajya Sabha member AK Antony. So respecting the demands of the workers, Rahul Gandhi has agreed to contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. Antony explained that Wayanad was chosen as Rahul Gandhi’s constituency from south India because of its location. One of the major reasons for consideration was that it (Wayanad) is a trijunction of three southern states. It is situated in Kerala, but also surrounded by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In a way it'll satisfy the requests of all the three southern states, Antony explained. Randeep Surjewala explained that Amethi has been more like a family for Gandhi rather than being merely his electoral seat. He said “Rahul Gandhi has always said that he will never go away from Amethi, but with an idea of converging the interests and culture of north and south India, he has chosen the geographically significant Wayanad constituency.” Surjewala further said “This is a fight to espouse the aspirations of South India. This is a fight to give a befitting reply to those forces that attack cultures, languages, way of life and also the deep connect between North and South India between which BJP has created a division.”

Here's how Gandhi family fared in south India in past

“This is a message to the southern states that they are deeply valued and respected. Congress President Rahul Gandhi has said that he will represent Amethi but will also represent southern states as they are an important part of India's way of life,” he said.

Published at : 31 Mar 2019 12:01 PM (IST)

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