Lok Sabha elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Wayanad, says 'will fight for the soul of India'

Wayanad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday filed his nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. He was accompanied by his sister and a large number of party workers.

However, all is not hunky-dory in the region as some people are not unhappy with their sitting. MP

"We literally had no MP over the last five years. We could not take up our pressing issues like man-animal conflict with the MP. Though an MP office was present, it was difficult to get an MP's recommendation letter for various purposes,' laments Cyril, a native Mepadi in Wayanad.

Autorickshaw driver Chandran and a lottery seller, on conditions of anonymity, echoed Cyril's sentiments.

They are pinning hopes on CPI candidate Annie Raja, but do not feel K Surendran of the BJP would do any wonders.

Annie, who is in her campaign at Wayanad, is highlighting Rahul's absence from Wayanad. "Rahul took the people of Wayanad for granted. How many times did he use the name Wayanad in the Parliament? My assurance is that I will be very much present in Wayanad," she said.

BJP's state president K Surendran, who will be filing his nomination on Thursday, said wild animals entered Wayanad more frequently than Rahul, adding Rahul would face the same fate he faced in Amethi last time.

Rousing welcome

Rahul turned up to file nomination papers to a rousing reception from the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) workers. He received good support also during his one-hour roadshow at Kalpetta town. Priyanka Gandhi and other senior leaders from Kerala accompanied him.

'Fighting for soul of India'

After filing his nomination papers, Rahul Gandhi said, "This election is a fight for the soul of India; it is a fight to preserve our democracy from the forces of hatred, corruption, and injustice that seek to suppress the voice of Bharat Mata."

He added that he, along with every member of I.N.D.I.A. bloc, would not rest until the battle is won. "We will bring together every citizen from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai to strengthen our union of states," he said.

CPI national leader Annie Raja reiterated the criticism against him for contesting from Kerala.

"Rahul and the Congress party should tell what political message they are giving with Rahul's contest from Kerala, where the fight is mainly between the Congress-led UDF and the CPM-led Left Democratic Front. This election is a fight against BJP's fascism and attempts to sabotage the nation's secularism. Hence, the Congress leader should have contested against the BJP," she said.

Rejecting BJP's narrative that it was a friendly fight between Congress and CPI leaders at Wayanad as both parties are part of I.N.D.I.A bloc, Annie Raja said that she was contesting to win.

She also said all top leaders of the left front, including CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPI general secretary D Raja, who is also her husband, would also campaign for her.