Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Member of Parliament, filed his nomination papers in Wayanad amidst a grand roadshow. Accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Gandhi received a warm welcome from enthusiastic supporters at the Kannur airport before proceeding to Wayanad via helicopter.
Addressing the media, Gandhi expressed his gratitude to the people of Wayanad, likening them to family. "I don't treat you like an electorate, but like my little sister Priyanka. In the houses of Wayanad, I have sisters, mothers, fathers, and brothers," he said, showing a strong emotional connection with the constituents.
Annie Raja, the CPI candidate challenging Gandhi in Wayanad, filed her nomination papers on the same day. Speaking about her approach, Raja emphasized that her focus is on connecting with people and highlighting her party's stance on national issues rather than worrying about Gandhi's fate in the election.
"We are here to contest and win," Raja affirmed, showing confidence in her campaign and the support from the people. She highlighted the importance of discussing national issues such as fascism and the Sangh Parivar, aiming to inform voters about her party's position.
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During the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi secured an overwhelming victory in Wayanad, garnering 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197. His closest rival, CPI's P P Suneer, trailed far behind with 2,74,597 votes, showcasing Gandhi's strong support in the constituency.
The upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Kerala are scheduled for April 26, setting the stage for an anticipated contest in Wayanad. With Gandhi's nomination, Raja's confident campaign, and BJP's candidate K Surendran in the mix, Wayanad remains a focal point in the state's electoral landscape.
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