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Tag: Wayanad

  • Rae Bareli: Rahul Gandhi pens emotional letter to people of Wayanad, says their unconditional love protected him

    Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wrote an emotional letter to the people of Wayanad, the constituency that he is giving up to represent Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha, and said when he faced abuse on a daily basis, their unconditional love protected him. Rahul had won both from Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies and must vacate one of the seats within 14 days of the Lok Sabha results, which came out on June 4.

    He is giving up Wayanad and his sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi is set to contest from there in the ensuing bypoll.

    “I was a stranger to you and yet you believed in me. You embraced me with unbridled love and affection. It didn’t matter which political formation you supported, it didn’t matter which community you were from or which religion you believed in or which language you spoke,” Rahul said. “When I faced abuse day after day, your unconditional love protected me. You were my refuge, my home and my family. I never felt for even a moment that you doubted me,” he said.

    The Congress leader said his sister Priyanka Gandhi will be representing Wayanad if the people give her an opportunity and expressed confidence that she will do an excellent job at being their MP.

    After a leadership meeting in New Delhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had on June 17 said that Rahul will keep the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh and vacate the Wayanad seat from where his sister Priyanka will contest. In his letter written on Sunday, Rahul also said that he cannot forget the “bravery, beauty and confidence” with which young girls translate his speeches in front of thousands of people.

    “I do not know how to thank you for what you have done for me. For the love and protection you gave me when I needed it most. You are part of my family and I will always be there for each and every one of you,” he said.

  • “Right political decision”: Congress’ Pramod Tiwari lauds Rahul Gandhi’s decision to retain Rae Bareli seat

    Congress leader Pramod Tiwari lauded Rahul Gandhi’s decision to retain the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh and called it the “right political decision.”

    Tiwari also thanked the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi for respecting the mandate of Uttar Pradesh.

    “I want to thank the national leadership of Congress and Rahul Gandhi. He (Rahul Gandhi) has taken the right political decision. Apart from this, he has also respected the mandate of Uttar Pradesh which gave 43 out of 80 seats to the INDIA alliance,” the senior Congress leader told ANI.”Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will win from Wayanad by 5 lakh votes,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Congress workers burst crackers and celebrated in Rae Bareli as Rahul Gandhi decided to retain the Lok Sabha seat.

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    Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge announced Priyanka Gandhi’s candidature from Wayanad at a special press conference on Monday. If Priyanka Gandhi wins from Wayanad, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family will be in Parliament – Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha and Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.Priyanka Gandhi said on Monday that she will contest the bypoll from Wayanad but her decades-old association with Amethi and Rae Bareli will continue.”I am very happy to be able to represent Wayanad and I will not let them feel his (Rahul Gandhi’s) absence. I will work hard and I will try my best to make everyone happy and be a good representative. I have a very old relationship with Rae Bareli and Amethi and it cannot be broken. I will also help my brother in Rae Bareli. We will both be present in Rae Bareli and Wayanad,” Priyanka Gandhi said at the special press conference.

    The bye-election in the seat was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi decided to retain Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli seat, which he won along with Wayanad in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

  • Amethi: Suspense continues over Rahul, Priyanka’s candidatures from Raebareli and Amethi; final decision today

    New Delhi: With just a day left for the filing of nominations for Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections, the suspense continued over the Congress’ candidates for the Amethi and Raebareli constituencies of Uttar Pradesh, once considered a stronghold of the Nehru-Gandhi family.

    According to sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is already on the Congress ticket from Wayanad in Kerala, which polled in the second phase on April 26, is likely to put himself in the fray from Amethi as well.

    Rahul’s candidature from the seat he lost to Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irin 2019 will be formally announced on Thursday, and he will file his nomination from the constituency on Friday, sources said.The sources added that along with Congress leaders, its partners in the INDIA bloc also suggested that Rahul contest Amethi.AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States”They also proposed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the candidate from Raebareli,” a source said.The Samajwadi Party (SP), which earlier announced a seat-sharing pact with the grand old party in Uttar Pradesh, told Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge that after its supremo Akhilesh Yadav’s decision to contest Kannauj, Rahul’s entry into the fray along with his sister Priyanka may bring unexpected electoral dividend to the Opposition bloc, sources said.”Kharge told Sonia Gandhi that the party and he, himself, was in favour of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka contesting the elections (from Amethi and Raebareli),” the source added.However, adding to the intrigue around the Congress’ choice of candidates for these two constituencies, sources claimed that even as Rahul and Priyanka appear reluctant to contest Amethi and Raebareli, Kharge insisted that at least one of them enter the fray.

    At the party’s committee meeting recently, the Congress’ UP unit formally moved a proposal that members of the Gandhi family should contest the Amethi and Raibareli seats and a final decision in the matter was left to Kharge.

    The Congress has not yet put out any official statement on its choice of nominees from Amethi and Raebareli, which were considered the party’s strongholds until the 2019 elections.

    Earlier, Congress leader KL Sharma told ANI, “Today, we had a meeting in Amethi and Raebareli as the party is still undecided on its choice of candidates from these two constituencies. People expect someone from the Gandhi family to contest (these seats) and I, too, feel the same. Since the last date for filing nominations is May 3 (Friday), we had to rush through the preparations. Hence, two meetings were held today (in Amethi and Raebareli).”

    Addressing reporters on Wednesday, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “The Central Election Committee (CEC) has empowered our party president Mallikarjun Kharge to take a final call on our candidates for Amethi and Raebareli. I expect a formal announcement to be made in the next 24 to 30 hours.”

    The Congress, which is contesting 17 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of the seat-sharing deal with the Samajwadi Party (SP), has announced candidates for all the seats barring Amethi and Raebareli.

    Amethi is scheduled to poll in the fifth phase on May 20, with the last date for filing nominations scheduled on May 3.

    Rahul’s defeat in Amethi, once considered a Congress ‘pocket borough’, at the hands of Irani in the 2019 polls was seen as a significant blow to the party’s national prestige.

    Rahul represented Amethi in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2019. His father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, too, was an elected member of Amethi in the Lower House from 1981 till his death in 1991. Sonia Gandhi contested elections from here in 1999 before passing the baton on to Rahul in 2004.

    Rahul currently represents Wayanad in the Lok Sabha while Irani is bidding for a fresh term from Amethi.

  • Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting begins in 88 seats across 12 states, one UT – The Economic Times Video

    Second phase voting for Lok Sabha elections is taking place across 13 states and union territories today. The campaign has been marked by intense campaigning and sharp exchanges between political parties. The polling was supposed to be held in 89 Lok Sabha constituencies, but voting in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul was postponed to third phase after the death of Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) candidate.

  • lok sabha: India readies for 2nd Phase of Lok Sabha elections; Here are the key battles across 88 seats

    India is gearing up for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, set to take place across 13 states and union territories tomorrow. The campaign has been marked by intense campaigning and sharp exchanges between political parties. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the upcoming phase:Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Voting DetailsConstituencies: The second phase covers 88 Lok Sabha constituencies, including all 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and others.Voting Schedule: Polling will begin at 7 am and conclude at 6 pm. The election is being held in seven phases till June 1, with vote counting on June 4.Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: INDIA Bloc and Opposition Unity:AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesSeveral opposition parties have formed the INDIA bloc to field common candidates against the BJP.Key Personalities:Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is re-contesting from Wayanad, Kerala.Shashi Tharoor: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is seeking a fourth successive term from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Hema Malini: Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini is contesting from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.Bhupesh Baghel: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is contesting from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Previous Phase Recap:The first phase of voting was held on April 19 across 102 constituencies. The voter turnout was over 62 per cent.Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: States and Seats in Phase 2:Assam: 5 seats – Karimganj, Silchar, Mangaldoi, Nawgong, KaliaborBihar: 5 seats – Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, BankaChhattisgarh: 3 seats – Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, KankerJammu and Kashmir: JammuKarnataka: 14 seats – Various constituenciesKerala: All 20 seatsMadhya Pradesh: 6 seats – Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad, BetulMaharashtra: 8 seats – Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, ParbhaniManipur: Outer ManipurRajasthan: 13 seats – Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, Jhalawar-BaranTripura: Tripura EastUttar Pradesh: 8 seats – Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, BulandshahrWest Bengal: 3 seats – Darjeeling, Raiganj, BalurghatLok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Voter Eligibility

    An estimated 16 crore voters, including 8.08 crore male, 7.8 crore female voters, and 5,929 third-gender electors, are eligible to vote in this phase.

    Lok Sabha Polls Phase 2: Key Candidates in Phase 2

    Kerala: Rahul Gandhi (Wayanad), Shashi Tharoor (Thiruvananthapuram), Hema Malini (Mathura), Bhupesh Baghel (Rajnandgaon)Karnataka: HD Kumaraswamy (Mandya), Yaduveer Wadiyar (Mysuru), DK Suresh (Bengaluru Rural), Tejasvi Surya (Bengaluru South)Assam: Pradyut Bordoloi (Nagaon), Dilip Saikia (Darrang-Udalguri), Kripanath Mallah (Karimganj), Parimal Suklabaidya (Silchar)Bihar: Santosh Kushwaha (Purnia), Mohammed Jawed (Kishanganj), Ajay Kumar Mandal (Bhagalpur), Giridhari Yadav (Banka)Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel (Rajnandgaon), Tamradhwaj Sahu (Mahasamund), Bhojraj Nag (Kanker)Madhya Pradesh: Virendra Kumar Khatik (Tikamgarh), RB Prajapati (Khajuraho), Tarbar Singh Lodhi (Damoh)Maharashtra: Prataprao Chikhalikar Govindrao (Nanded), Ashtikar Patil Nagesh Bapurao (Hingoli), Sanjay alias Bandu Jadhav (Parbhani)The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections is poised to be a significant chapter in India’s democratic process, with key battles and prominent leaders vying for the mandate of the people.

  • ‘Who is Tipu Sultan?’: Kerala BJP Chief Promises To Rename Sultan Bathery Town If He Wins Election, Sparks Row |

    NEW DELHI: Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Surendran has ignited a heated debate by promising to rename Sultan Bathery town in Wayanad to Ganapativattam if he emerges victorious in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The proposal, which hinges on historical arguments, seeks to revert the town’s name to its original name, Ganapativattam, asserting that it was changed during Tipu Sultan’s invasion.

    Questioning Tipu Sultan’s Legacy

    In a recent interview, Surendran questioned the legacy of Tipu Sultan, asking, “Who is Tipu Sultan?” and challenging his relevance to the people of Wayanad. He emphasized the importance of restoring the town’s original name, Ganapativattam, suggesting that it symbolizes its association with Lord Ganesh.

     

    State BJP president and candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat K. Surendran announced that he will change the name of Sultan Bathery town to its original name Ganapathivattam if he wins. pic.twitter.com/gYwmb2U8KR
    — IANS (@ians_india) April 11, 2024

     

    Complex History & Allegations Of Religious Atrocities

    Surendran’s proposal delves into the intricate history of the region, particularly its resistance against Tipu Sultan’s invasion. He alleges that Tipu Sultan perpetrated religious atrocities in Wayanad and Malabar, leading to the conversion of Hindus and attacks on temples. Surendran accuses both his political rivals, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Alliance and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, of aligning with the ideology of Tipu Sultan and renaming the town Sultan Bathery.

    Honouring Historical Roots

    According to Surendran, renaming Sultan Bathery to Ganapativattam would not only honour its historical roots but also pay homage to those who valiantly opposed foreign aggression. The proposal underscores the significance of preserving local heritage amidst political discourse.

    Elections In Kerala

    Surendran’s stance adds a new dimension to the electoral landscape in Wayanad, where he is contesting against the Communist Party of India (CPI)’s Annie Raja and the sitting Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, slated for April 26, are poised to witness heightened political fervour as various parties vie for supremacy in the state, which sends 20 parliamentarians to the Lok Sabha. The outcome of this electoral battle will undoubtedly shape the political trajectory of the region.

  • Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi Vs CPI’s Annie Raja: Know Who Is Richer? |

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Communist Party of India’s (CPI) Annie Raja, both prominent contenders for Kerala’s Wayanad seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024, have disclosed their financial assets, sparking interest and comparisons.

    Rahul Gandhi’s Net Worth 

    Rahul Gandhi, filing his nomination in Kerala’s Wayanad, revealed assets worth Rs 20 crore, conspicuously devoid of vehicle or residential property ownership. His movable assets stand at Rs 9.24 crore, inclusive of bank deposits, bonds, shares, mutual funds, and jewellery. Notably, Gandhi’s immovable assets, totalling Rs 11.15 crore, encompass agricultural land in Delhi and office space in Gurugram, the former co-owned with sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. His shareholdings, valued at Rs 4.3 crore, include investments in various prominent companies like Asian Paints, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services.

    Legal Disputes And Cases

    Gandhi’s affidavit further discloses his involvement in legal disputes, notably a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), alongside defamation complaints by BJP members and a criminal conspiracy case related to Associated Journals Limited.

    Annie Raja’s Assets

    In contrast, CPI’s Annie Raja’s declared assets amount to a modest Rs 72 lakh, with Rs 71 lakh attributed to inherited property. Her financial holdings consist mainly of minimal cash in hand, bank deposits, jewellery, and immovable property. She has declared only Rs 10,000 cash in hand, bank deposits worth Rs 62,000, jewellery worth Rs 25,000 and an inherited property worth Rs 71 lakh. Annie Raja is the general secretary of the CPI’s National Federation of Indian Women and the wife of the party’s general secretary D Raja. 

    The Electoral Duel In Wayanad

    Gandhi, the incumbent from Wayanad, faces a formidable challenge from Annie Raja and state BJP chief K Surendran in the forthcoming elections, scheduled for April 26. Kerala’s parliamentary constituencies will witness polling as part of the nationwide polls, with the nomination deadline set for April 4.