THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If Rahul Gandhi becomes the UDF candidate again in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, the BJP will field a surprise candidate like in Thiruvananthapuram to make the competition tougher. For this, the party will take over the Wayanad seat from BDJS.

Last time, BDJS state president and NDA state convener Thushar Vellappally had contested against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad. This was as per the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This time, the Kottayam seat will be given to BDJS instead of Wayanad. In Kottayam, where the Ezhava community is highly prominent, Thushar Vellappally might be the candidate.

There is a growing feeling within the BJP that the party itself should face Rahul in Wayanad, where Rahul Gandhi's candidature is drawing national attention. Even though Wayanad is a safe constituency for Rahul, where Muslim voters are crucial, the BJP reckons that fielding a strong VIP opponent will tighten the contest and prevent Rahul from getting an easy walkover like in 2019.

Some even raised the demand that Union Minister Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul in Amethi in 2019, should face Rahul in Wayanad this time. However, whether Rahul Gandhi contests again in Amethi or not, there are indications that Smriti Irani will be the BJP candidate there. The name of BJP National Executive Committee member PK Krishnadas is also being considered in Wayanad.

Four seats for BDJS
BJP may give four seats to its NDA ally BDJS this time as well. According to sources, the BDJS is likely to contest in Kottayam, Idukki, Mavelikkara and Alathur seats.