This is south strategy! Priyanka’s electoral debut is not just resorted to Wayanad

KALPETTA: When the results of the Lok Sabha polls were announced on June 4, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had won by a good margin in the two constituencies he contested. With this, it was almost clear that he would give up one seat. The party workers knew that Rahul Gandhi will retain Rae Bareli following the success of the party in North India. However, after the suspense, the final decision was taken yesterday in leaving Wayanad. Along with this, Rahul announced that his sister and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi will replace him in Wayanad.

Priyanka had directly said that she would not be in the fray when discussions were held in choosing candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Everyone thought that if she is contesting, she would prefer Amethi, which is close to her family. However, is she arriving defying all expectations only to catch Wayanad? Why Priyanka in Wayanad, where the Congress is sure to win whoever contests from there?

There were reports that Priyanka may contest against Smriti Irani in Amethi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, if Priyanka contests, the leadership was clearly aware that the BJP would use 'family politics' as a weapon in the elections. Priyanka's name was being heard Since 2019. However, Priyanka, who was active only in the party leadership, has now decided to contest from Wayanad.

Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency is a safe seat for the Congress. Congress had won the constituency in every election since 2009. If the BJP had come to power with 300 more seats in this election, there is no possibility of Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Wayanad. The leaders believe that BJP's dominance is waning and it is the best time for her maiden debut. With this, another peculiarity is that leaders from the Gandhi family will be represented in both North and South India.

Kerala is most important for the Congress as 'south strategy'. Priyanka's candidature reflects that importance. D K Shivakumar is there in Karnataka, who is close to the Gandhi family. There is no direct representation in Tamil Nadu. So, Wayanad is very important to the Gandhi family. Priyanka's direct entry means that the leadership is trying to say that the Congress is taking a direct hand in the electoral arena in Kerala at a time when the BJP's vote share is increasing.

By fielding Priyanka instead of Rahul, the Gandhi family will also avoid criticism that they have abandoned the South despite electoral gains. Also, the leadership believes that in the 2029 general elections, Priyanka can gain advantage in South India. The opposition is saying that the Modi wave has waned down after this election. BJP is really in a crisis with coalition government coming to power at the Centre. The presence of Rahul and Priyanka in the Parliament will create a new headache for the NDA.