Senior CPI leader Annie Raja, who had contested against Rahul Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections from the Wayanad constituency, welcomed his decision on Monday to retain the Raebareli seat in Uttar Pradesh. She highlighted that it was his significant move in the present political circumstances prevailing in the country.

Annie outlined that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party decided to vacate one of the constituencies under the existing laws of the country. “In the present political scenario, it is essential for a prominent leader like Rahul Gandhi to work in the Hindi heartland. So, there is nothing wrong in the decision,” PTI quoted Annie Raja as saying.

In response to a question about Priyanka Gandhi’s prospects of running as the I.N.D.I alliance’s common candidate, Raja stated that the alliance collectively decided that the LDF and the UDF would each run independently in Kerala based on the state’s political situation.

Annie Raja Says She’s ‘Happy’ About Priyanka Gandhi Contesting Wayanad Bypoll 

She also said that any change in the decision can be made only by the I.N.D.I.A bloc and its respective member parties. “I am happy to know that the Congress party has decided to field a woman in the bypoll. The representation of women in the Lok Sabha has come down this time compared to the previous year. So, I wish more women should come,” she added.

#WATCH | Kerala: On Rahul Gandhi to retain Raebareli seat and Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Wayanad, CPI leader Annie Raja says, “… Rahul Gandhi and Congress have decided and announced that they will retain Raebareli and leave Wayanad… Whether I will contest or not from… pic.twitter.com/kuep9BgMAV

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

The reaction of the CPI leader came soon after the Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge declared in New Delhi that Rahul Gandhi is to keep the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh and vacate the Wayanad seat from where his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest.

Notably, when Rahul Gandhi’s candidature was announced for Raebareli seat, Annie Raja had termed the same as an unjust move as Wayanad voters had already cast their votes without knowing about the Congress leader’s intensions to fight from two seats.

ALSO READ | ‘Unjust To Wayanad Voters’: CPI Candidate Annie Raja On Rahul Gandhi’s Candidature From Raebareli LS Seat

Kerala BJP Chief K Surendran Slams Rahul Gandhi’s Decision To Vacate Wayanad Seat As ‘Betrayal’

Kerala BJP chief K Surendran, on the other hand, slammed Rahul Gandhi’s decision to vacate the Wayanad seat and said the grand old party was considering the southern state as a political ATM. He further termed the move as a “betrayal” to Kerala.

“The BJP’s prediction came true: the perpetually missing MP has finally decided to vacate the Wayanad seat, betraying the trust of its people. @RahulGandhi and the @INCIndia only turn to Kerala when in dire straits for political gain, falsely claiming Wayanad as his second home. The honest and lovable people of Kerala deserve better than to be exploited and abandoned. For Congress Kerala is nothing but a political ATM #RahulBetrayedKerala, Surendran posted on X.

The BJP’s prediction came true: the perpetually missing MP has finally decided to vacate the Wayanad seat, betraying the trust of its people. @RahulGandhi and the @INCIndia only turn to Kerala when in dire straits for political gain, falsely claiming Wayanad as his second home.… pic.twitter.com/FnRMlLW6wB

— K Surendran (@surendranbjp) June 17, 2024

Rahul Gandhi had won from Wayanad and Raebareli Lok Sabha constituencies. As per the law, he had to relinquish one of the seats within 14 days of the results, which were announced on June 4.