In a significant political development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on 22nd October, expressing his support for his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, as the Congress candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Rahul, who previously represented Wayanad in Parliament, conveyed his strong connection to the region and confidence in Priyanka as the ideal representative for the people.
Rahul’s post read: "The people of Wayanad hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t imagine a better representative for them than my sister, @priyankagandhi. I’m confident she will be a passionate champion of Wayanad’s needs and a powerful voice in Parliament. Join us tomorrow, 23rd October, as she files her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Together, let’s ensure Wayanad continues to be represented with love."
The announcement has created a political buzz as Priyanka Gandhi prepares to file her nomination for the Wayanad seat, which Rahul previously held before being disqualified from Parliament.
BJP’s Amit Malviya Reacts, Criticizes Gandhi’s Choice of Constituency
Shortly after Rahul Gandhi’s post, Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s Information and Technology cell, responded sharply. In a post on X, Malviya accused the Gandhis of avoiding constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, their traditional strongholds, due to fears of electoral defeat. He criticized the decision to field Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad, claiming it was a strategic move based on the constituency’s religious demographics.
Malviya stated: "That is a LIE. The best option for Priyanka Vadra would have been either Amethi or Raebareli (after her brother stepped aside) because we were told that she would stand in for the family representatives in these two constituencies. But unsure of winning from their family ‘bastion’ in UP, the Gandhi siblings, first Rahul and now Priyanka Vadra, chose Wayanad because of its demography."
He further highlighted the demographic composition of Wayanad, noting that the district has a significant Muslim population. According to Malviya, Wayanad’s population is comprised of 45% Muslims, 15% Christians, 9% Hindus (Tribals), and 31% Hindus. He emphasized that three of Wayanad's seven Assembly constituencies fall within the Muslim-majority Malappuram district, where, according to the 2011 Census, 70.24% of the population is Muslim.
Malviya concluded by stating, "The Congress leadership, for some reason, is unsure of winning from a mixed population constituency, leaving no one in doubt, that it is the new Muslim League."
Political Implications
Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement of Priyanka for Wayanad signals the Congress party’s commitment to retaining the seat, which holds symbolic importance after his disqualification. On the other hand, the BJP’s strong reaction underscores the broader political rivalry and raises questions about the strategic choices of constituencies by major political figures.
As Priyanka Gandhi prepares to file her nomination on 23rd October, the battle for Wayanad promises to become a focal point in national politics, drawing attention to electoral dynamics and constituency demographics in Kerala.
