Rahul to leave Wayanad, Priyanka may not contest, Congress looks for a leader from Kerala

NEW DELHI: It is reported that Rahul Gandhi has decided to resign from Wayanad constituency and stay in Rae Bareli. In that case, there are indications that Priyanka Gandhi may not come to contest in the Wayanad by-election. In this situation, leaders from Kerala may be considered in Wayanad. There were rumours that Priyanka Gandhi will contest as Rahul's replacement.

Considering practical matters, the party asked Rahul Gandhi to leave Wayanad and stay in Rae Bareli. In the meeting of the Congress Working Committee, it was also felt that the party will not get the atmosphere of victory it has achieved now in Wayanad.

UP leaders attribute the Congress's improved standing in Uttar Pradesh to the Rae Bareli contest. Therefore, the PCC leadership also suggested that Rahul stay in UP. Meanwhile, it has also been decided that Priyanka will not contest in Wayanad. A leader from Kerala will be considered for the constituency.

Meanwhile, rumours were rife that K Murulidharan, who was sidelined after his defeat in Thrissur, would contest in Wayanad. This is the only option before KPCC to bring back Muralidharan who has said that he will stay away from politics. Senior Congress leaders are hinting that they will ask the high command to consider Muralidharan if there is a by-election in Wayanad.

If Muralidharan does not give in, the search will extend to someone else. He has even switched off his phone, announcing that there will be no more contests or party meetings. Even if Rahul won with a huge majority, it will not be easy to win in Wayanad if there is no good candidate.