New Delhi. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has decided to leave Wayanad seat in Kerala. Gandhi contested the Lok Sabha elections from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli and won both seats. Now he has decided to retain the Rae Bareli seat, which is historically important for the Gandhi family. Rae Bareli is considered the family seat of the Gandhi family, from where Sonia Gandhi has been an MP for many years before Rahul. His victory from Rae Bareli continues this tradition.
The Congress has decided that Priyanka Gandhi will contest the by-election from Wayanad. Expressing his emotional attachment with both the constituencies, Rahul said, “I have a deep emotional attachment with both Rae Bareli and Wayanad. For the last five years, I have been the MP from Wayanad and I am grateful for the love and support I have received from the people there. Priyanka will contest from Wayanad, but I will keep going there.”
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— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 17, 2024
Rahul assured that all the promises made to Wayanad will be fulfilled. He said, “Rae Bareli has an old relationship with our family. It is a pleasure to represent them again. This decision was not easy, as I have deep ties with both the places. My doors will always be open for the people of Wayanad.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said in a press conference, “Rahul Gandhi has won from two constituencies. According to the law, he has to vacate one seat.
After discussions, the party has decided that Rahul will retain Rae Bareli and Priyanka Gandhi will contest the bypoll from Wayanad.” Rahul first contested from Wayanad in 2019 after losing the Amethi seat to BJP leader Smriti Irani. Since then, he has been representing Wayanad in the Lok Sabha. In the 2024 elections, he contested from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli and won both places, winning Rae Bareli by a big margin.