The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Kerala): On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, serving as a Member of Parliament for Wayanad, initiated his campaign for the Lok Sabha seat by submitting his nomination, accompanied by a grand roadshow. He vocally criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging they aim to dismantle India’s constitutional democracy.
Rahul’s journey began early in the morning when he arrived in Kerala’s hilly district via helicopter from Kannur, leading a procession from the Kalpetta new bus stand to the Civil Station, where he engaged with a large assembly of party followers and advocates.
Joined by his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, and other prominent Congress figures like AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Rahul presented his nomination documents to the District Collector of Wayanad, who also acts as the Returning Officer.
Post-nomination, Rahul addressed the media, framing the Lok Sabha election as a crucial battle for democracy and the sanctity of India’s Constitution. He positioned the electoral contest as a standoff between forces intent on eroding democratic principles and those dedicated to their preservation, naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah among those he accuses of undermining these values.
Prior to his nomination, Rahul, addressing the gathering, reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Wayanad, touching upon local concerns such as the human-animal conflict which has resulted in numerous fatalities in the district. He promised to bring regional issues to national and international attention.
Rahul painted Wayanad as a beacon guiding his political journey, expressing profound gratitude for the unwavering support from its residents. He envisioned ushering in a new chapter of ‘Nyay’ (justice) and pledged unwavering service to the community.
Rahul reminisced about the warmth and unity he witnessed among Wayanad’s people, regardless of political or communal divides, especially during the aftermath of devastating floods. This resilience and communal harmony, he noted, left a lasting impression on him, reinforcing his view of the constituency as family rather than merely a voter base.
Acknowledging the array of challenges confronting the district, from escalating human-wildlife conflicts to infrastructural deficiencies, Rahul criticized the central and state governments’ inaction. He assured the electorate of resolution upon Congress’s ascendancy to power both centrally and in Kerala.
Rahul emphasized the strength of his connections across the political spectrum in Wayanad, appreciating the opportunity to serve as its MP. He highlighted the enriching experiences and lessons gleaned from his interactions with the people over the past five years, committing to address their grievances.
Concluding his outreach, Rahul took to social media to reiterate Wayanad as his home and its people as his family, emphasizing the election as a fight for the essence of India against forces of hate and injustice. He called for a united front across India to safeguard democracy.
As Rahul Gandhi files for re-election from Wayanad, he stands opposed by BJP’s state president K Surendran and CPI leader Annie Raja, marking a high-stakes contest in the Lok Sabha constituency.