Congress irked at CPI MP’s suggestion to not repeat Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad
The Hindu
Congress, CPI clash over Wayanad seat for Rahul Gandhi; Congress defends prerogative of Central Election Committee to decide who contests from where. CPI's P. Sandosh Kumar suggests Gandhi should contest from Hindi belt to take on BJP, but Congress and Kerala State president K. Sudhakaran term it "unfair".
A suggestion made during internal discussions at the recent national executive meeting of INDIA bloc member CPI that senior leader Rahul Gandhi not seek re-election from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in 2024 has annoyed the Congress, especially its Kerala unit.
CPI Rajya Sabha MP P. Sandosh Kumar’s reported remarks from September 19 that Mr. Gandhi’s return to Wayanad could be taken as a sign of weakness, given the changed political situation in the country from 2019, found few takers in the Congress.
Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal dismissed the suggestion, saying it is the prerogative of the party’s Central Election Committee to decide on candidature and “no one else needs to have an opinion on this”. State Congress chief K. Sudhakaran called the suggestion “unfair”, insisting that the Kerala unit wants Mr. Gandhi to contest again from Wayanad.
Kerala’s unique political situation, with INDIA allies Congress and the Left parties engaged in a direct fight with the BJP’s presence nominal, precludes the necessity of a seat-sharing arrangement in the State.
Mr. Kumar, according to sources, had reasoned that Mr. Gandhi was no ordinary candidate and many looked up to him, especially after the support he garnered during the 4,000-km-long Bharat Jodo Yatra, as the natural leader of the alliance. Instead of Wayanad, he should contest from one of the Hindi-speaking States and take the BJP head-on, he had suggested.
The CPI MP refused to comment on his remarks at the party’s national executive but told The Hindu, “It is advisable that Mr. Gandhi not contest against the Left, which is an integral part of the new movement called the INDIA.”
(With inputs from the Kerala Bureau)
Mysuru's tree census launches December 22, aiming for comprehensive city-wide data collection by March 2026 through community participation.
Tourism Minister unveils a book highlighting Tamil Nadu's rich fairs and festivals, urging UNESCO recognition for Pongal.
PM Modi to address a rally in Bengal amid electoral roll concerns, focusing on Matuas and upcoming assembly polls.
Bombay High Court mandates ₹50 lakh COVID insurance for deceased frontline worker's family, emphasizing justice over procedural constraints.
Three people were killed by a train in West Bengal while traveling to a PM rally amid dense fog.
Congress announces solo campaign for BMC elections, igniting tensions with Shiv Sena UBT amid accusations of corruption and political realignment.
In this episode, Arpita Mukherjee speaks to us about why India’s exports are booming despite higher U.S. tariffs, and the risks hidden behind the headline numbers.
Vice President Radhakrishnan advocates for more free trade agreements to enhance India's competitiveness in textile exports against Bangladesh and others.
Explore Sreenivasan's impactful legacy in Malayalam cinema, blending comedy, satire, and social commentary through unforgettable characters and stories.
India aims for a record 12th Under-19 Asia Cup title against Pakistan in a high-stakes final on December 21, 2025.
FSSAI assures consumers that eggs are safe to eat, dismissing unsubstantiated cancer risk claims and emphasizing scientific evidence.
T.N. police alert public to a new cyber scam involving USSD codes used by criminals posing as delivery agents.
Sapthak Bangalore will host Janma Shatabdi – Nada Namana, a musical tribute to Dilruba maestro D.P. Burde, on December 21 in Bengaluru.