CPI Leader Annie Raja Welcomes Rahul Gandhi's Decision to Vacate Wayanad Lok Sabha Seat

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI leader Annie Raja, who took on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in the recently concluded general elections, has welcomed Gandhi’s decision to retain the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh. Extending his support over the decision, Raja stated that it was a necessity in the present political circumstances prevailing in the country. The CPI leader’s response has come up after Rahul Gandhi, who was elected from both the Wayanad and the Rae Bareli lok sabha seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, on Monday announced that he will retain the Rae Bareli seat.

Annie Raja said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress party took the decision to vacate one of the constituencies as per the existing laws of the country and in the present political scenario, it was essential for Rahul Gandhi to work in the Hindi heartland.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Will Contest From Wayanad Lok Sabha Seat

As Rahul Gandhi vacated Kerala’s Wayanad lok sabha seat, the Congress party announced that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from the seat marking her electoral debut.

When asked whether there is any chance for Priyanka Gandhi to contest as a common candidate of the INDI Alliance, Raja said, it was the collective decision taken within the alliance that in Kerala, the LDF and the UDF would contest independently in accordance with the political situation in the state. “Any change in the decision can be made only by the INDIA formation and its respective member parties,” she said.

The senior CPI leader stated, "It is happy to know that the Congress party has decided to field a woman in the bypoll. The representation of women in the Lok Sabha has come down this time compared to the previous year. So, I wish more women should come."

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced in New Delhi that Rahul Gandhi will keep the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh and vacate the Wayanad seat from where his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest the by-polls.