Rahul Gandhi
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday filed his nomination. Gandhi's sister and AICC in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also accompanied him to Wayanad.
Rahul Gandhi and his sister, on Wednesday, were greeted by hundreds of UDF supporters, who had been waiting three hours to see them. Gandhi had sprung a surprise when the Congress announced that he will also contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, apart from the traditional Amethi that has been home to Gandhi family for long, in these elections.
Thursday is the last date for filing of nominations from Wayanad, with polling for all of Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha constituencies to be held on April 23.
Senior Congress leaders including Mukul Wasnik, K.C. Venugopal, Oommen Chandy, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and several others turned up at the airport, which was taken over by the police but found it tough to keep the crowd under check.
A large number of young party workers holding Congress and ally Indian Union Muslim League flags were seen lustily cheering as Rahul Gandhi came out of the airport. He waved at them.
"Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka have already left for the guest house. Rahul might meet the senior leaders tonight. UDF workers are excited over his candidature," Chennithala said.
Chandy said Rahul's candidature in Wayanad will lead the UDF to a complete victory in the April 23 polls.
After overnight stay at the guest house here, the two leaders will leave for Wayanad Thursday morning.
Tight security is in place in Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in view of the high-profile visits. The Congress announced on Sunday that Gandhi would
contest from Wayanad constituency, besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi.
Gandhi has claimed that the people in South India "feel hostility" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad to send out the message that he stands with them.
General elections are scheduled to be held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.
Legislative Assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will be held simultaneously with the general election.
(With inputs from agencies)
