During a recent address, Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani drew attention to the conflicting signals emanating from Left parties regarding Rahul Gandhi. While they advocate for his contest in Uttar Pradesh, they warmly embrace him during INDI Alliance meetings. This observation is particularly pertinent as the Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally in Kerala’s LDF government, has nominated Annie Raja against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad.
Irani, speaking in Bengaluru, took a jab at the Congress’s situation in Kerala, highlighting the peculiar scenario where despite being partners in the opposition INDIA bloc, the CPI fields a candidate against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad.
She remarked, “It’s intriguing to see Left parties urging Rahul Gandhi to contest from Uttar Pradesh while embracing him in Delhi during INDI Alliance meetings.”
In a playful tone, she added, “Yesterday, I quipped in Kerala, ‘Embracing in Delhi, Contesting in Kerala.’ The situation reflects a similar paradox in Karnataka, ‘Embracing in Delhi, Contesting in Kerala, and Thugging in Karnataka.'”
Furthermore, Irani emphasized the imperative for women to exercise their voting rights responsibly, steering clear of trivial distractions portrayed in television serials. She urged women to engage with substantive political issues, criticizing the Gandhi family for what she perceives as exploiting imagery rather than addressing genuine concerns.
Annie Raja’s nomination further complicates the electoral landscape, with CPI and Congress, despite their partnership in the opposition INDIA bloc, fielding strong contenders against each other in Kerala.
As the 2024 elections approach, the BJP seeks to solidify its position, nominating Kerala State President K Surendran as a candidate from the constituency under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
With Kerala holding significance as a stronghold for the Congress, the upcoming elections are poised to attract considerable attention. Voting across all 20 seats in the state is scheduled for April 26, with results anticipated on June 4.
