THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been hinted that Congress president Rahul Gandhi may contest from one constituency in south India in addition to Amethi. Rumours have been spread across the political spectrum that the constituency will be in Kerala. Wayanad, is said to be the constituency as it could be considered as a protective constituency. Though some Congress leaders in Kerala have mentioned this, the leadership has not clarified it. Many believe that Rahul will contest from a constituency in Karnataka just like many of his predecessors from the Nehru family. However, many Kerala leaders have tried to convince him to contest from Wayanad as the constituency is a connecting link between Kerala and Karnataka.

Wayanad is considered to be an assured seat for the UDF. KPCC working president M I Shanavas is the sitting MP. His chances in the upcoming election is least likely as he has been appointed as a working president of the Congress. Rahul’s name was raised among these discussions. It has been rumoured that discussions are on-going in Delhi. Rahul will contest from Amethi and he is said to be the prime minister candidate of the opposition parties. That is why, he is contesting from a constituency in South India. Congress has high hopes about Karnataka and Kerala. However, some members of the party have denied the rumours.

Indira Gandhi had contested from Chikmanglore and Sonia Gandhi had earlier contested form Bellari. Both Chikmanglore and Bellari are constituencies in Karnataka. At present, P Sreeramulu of BJP is the sitting MLA in Bellari.