Rahul Gandhi vs Annie Raja vs K Surendran: All eyes on Wayanad's 3-way clash on April 26

While campaigning in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi faced criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who questioned his commitment to the region.

The lush landscapes of Kerala’s Wayanad constituency will be the stage for a dramatic political battle on April 26. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is seeking re-election from a seat he won in 2019 with an impressive margin. However, the upcoming election promises to be more competitive, with notable figures from the BJP and the Left also vying for the same seat. This has turned Wayanad into a hotbed of electoral activity.

Rahul Gandhi gained attention in 2019 when he decided to contest from Wayanad after suffering a high-profile loss in Amethi, a traditional stronghold for his family. His victory in Wayanad was a significant political statement, as he secured the seat with over 431,000 votes, accounting for 64.7% of the total, a record in Kerala’s electoral history. His entry into the Wayanad race shifted the political spotlight to this region, highlighting its strategic importance in national politics.

This year’s election is highly competitive. The BJP strategically entered its state president, K Surendran, into the race. Surendran is an experienced politician who has run for multiple elections and almost won several times, indicating a deep understanding of the electoral pulse. On the opposing side, Annie Raja, a well-respected leader in the Communist Party of India and the general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women, is running for the Left. Her candidacy significantly challenges Gandhi’s attempt at re-election, setting up a closely watched triangular contest.

The campaign began with Rahul Gandhi filing his nomination, accompanied by senior Congress leaders such as his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other key party figures. The event was notable for the absence of party flags, indicating a strategy to appeal to a broader electorate beyond party lines. Gandhi’s nomination papers reveal that he has assets worth Rs. 20.4 crore and several pending legal matters, which provide fodder for political discussions.

Gandhi’s campaign platform is extensive and focuses on improving the economy and uplifting society. He promises legal guarantees for minimum support prices for farmers, enhanced social security for gig workers, and a significant Rs 5,000 crore initiative to promote startups. His Mahalaxmi Guarantee scheme aims to provide yearly financial support to impoverished women, and he pledges to fill 30 lakh government job vacancies, among other promises.

The once-celebrated ‘Rahul Gandhi factor’ is now viewed sceptically, causing concerns within the UDF as the excitement fades. Gandhi’s candidacy initially revitalised the UDF’s campaign, giving them a significant advantage. The alliance relies heavily on minority votes and historical voting patterns to maintain its foothold.

In 2019, Rahul Gandhi’s entry into the Wayanad race was met with enthusiasm, with many locals hoping his leadership might elevate him to the Prime Minister’s office. Today, the people of Wayanad are disappointed and question the tangible benefits his tenure has brought to their lives. Adding to the local distress, the region has been plagued by severe human-animal conflicts, notably deadly encounters with wild elephants. In the past four months alone, these tragic incidents have claimed four lives, sparking outrage and protests against the perceived inaction of the state government and forest officials.

While campaigning in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi faced criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who questioned his commitment to the region. Modi alleged that Gandhi left his previous constituency, Amethi, and might leave Wayanad after April 26. K Surendran echoed similar sentiments, accusing Gandhi of neglecting Wayanad’s developmental needs and predicting a repeat of the Amethi scenario.

On the other hand, Annie Raja has been vocal about the need for consistent and dedicated representation in Wayanad. She has campaigned to address local issues, such as man-animal conflicts that significantly impact the agricultural community. In an interview to local media, Raja expressed the local electorate’s dissatisfaction with intermittent representation and promised to be a more present and responsive figure. She highlighted that being an MP whose party does not hold power in the state or central government should not be an excuse for inaction on local issues.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has criticised Rahul Gandhi amid growing dissatisfaction. Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has been particularly vocal in his attacks on Rahul, accusing him of inefficacy in challenging the policies of the NDA government at the Centre, including contentious issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the violence in Manipur.

On the other hand, the BJP’s campaign, led by state president K Surendran, initially made a good impression with an impressive roadshow. However, it has since struggled to maintain momentum. The BJP campaign also faced controversy when Surendran announced a proposal to rename Sultan Bathery to “Ganapathy Vattom” if elected, stirring mixed reactions among the electorate.

Wayanad voters are now pondering their choices amid a landscape of unmet promises and ongoing challenges in this charged atmosphere. The constituency once hoped for transformative leadership but now scrutinises its representatives’ effectiveness. As a result, the upcoming election has become a political contest and a referendum on the issues affecting their daily lives and safety.

Wayanad’s diverse demographic composition will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome as the elections approach. With substantial numbers of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and a significant minority population, this electoral contest is not just a local affair but a reflection of the broader national political dynamics. Community interests, strategic party manoeuvres, and the candidates’ personalities will all converge to shape what promises to be one of the most closely watched and hotly contested races in the upcoming elections.