Smriti Irani Criticizes Congress in Kerala, Targets Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad Candidacy

Bengaluru, 6th April 2024: Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Smriti Irani criticized the Congress’s stance in Kerala, particularly targeting senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from the Wayanad constituency. Irani highlighted the challenge posed by the Communist Party of India (CPI), a partner of the Congress in the INDIA bloc, by fielding their star candidate Annie Raja against Rahul Gandhi.

During a rally in Karnataka, Irani remarked on the unusual predicament of the Opposition, with the Left parties suggesting that Rahul Gandhi should contest from Uttar Pradesh instead. She quipped, “Delhi mein hugging, Kerala mein begging,” alluding to the contrasting dynamics within the Opposition coalition.

Annie Raja, representing the CPI, filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, intensifying the three-way contest that includes BJP’s Kerala chief K Surendran. The CPI, part of the Left Democratic Front in Kerala, stands in opposition to the Congress despite their alliance at the national level.

Irani’s remarks come amidst uncertainty regarding the Congress candidate for the Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh, historically a stronghold for the party. Despite Rahul Gandhi’s decision to contest Wayanad, his opponent from the 2019 elections, it remains unclear whether he will face off against Irani again.

Adding to the intrigue, businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, hinted at a potential entry into politics and representing the Congress from Amethi. Vadra cited the expectations of the constituency and their desire for a Gandhi family member to return as their representative in Parliament.