As the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, discussions on seat sharing within opposition alliances intensify, particularly within the oppositions INDIA coalition. On Monday, the Communist Party of India (CPI), a constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, released the list of four candidates for the upcoming general elections, amidst lingering uncertainties over seat allocations among alliance partners.CPI announces Annie Raja as its candidate from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat: CPI General Secretary D Raja to ANICongress Rahul Gandhi is currently the MP from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.(File photo) pic.twitter.com/sQA6VroHsw— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024Among the four candidates announced by the CPI, Annie Raja has been nominated to contest from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Raja highlighted that the CPIs tradition within the LDF has been to field candidates on four seats, emphasizing that this nomination aligns with established practices. The electoral landscape in Kerala is predominantly shaped by the contest between the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).#WATCH | Delhi | CPI announces candidates on Thiruvananthapuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, and Mavelikara Lok Sabha seats in Kerala.Party candidate for Wayanad, Annie Raja says, For such a long time, CPI - under the LDF alliance - is contesting on the four seats...This time also,… pic.twitter.com/WXMmt9qpSf— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024Rahul Gandhi to contest from...The Wayanad seat, presently held by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has emerged as a focal point of speculation. Both the CPI and the Congress are integral members of the opposition coalition INDIA, aimed to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).CPI names Annie Raja, Wife of CPI Chief D Raja as candidate for #Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, presently represented by Rahul Gandhi.CM Arvind Kejriwal may campaign for Annie Raja if Rahul doesnt contest, as they had worked together in the Jhuggis of Delhi during NGO days. pic.twitter.com/Dl1xsH32mh— Dr Ranjan (@AAPforNewIndia) February 26, 2024Who is Annie RajaAnnie Raja, the nominated candidate, holds significant stature within the CPI as the spouse of D Raja, the partys general secretary. Moreover, she serves as the general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW). Originating from a leftist background within a Christian family in Iritty, Kannur, Rajas political journey traces back to her involvement with the CPIs student and youth wings during her formative years.Speculations are rife about Rahul Gandhis future electoral pursuits, with reports suggesting a potential shift from the Wayanad constituency to either Karnataka or Telangana. However, the Congress party has yet to issue any formal statements addressing these conjectures.To whom did CPI give the ticketIn addition to Annie Rajas nomination, the CPI has fielded former MP Panniyan Raveendran from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, currently represented by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The party has also nominated former agriculture minister VS Sunil Kumar and All India Youth Federation leader CA Arunkumar to contest from the Thrissur and Mavelikkara constituencies, respectively. CPI announces candidates in Kerala for Lok Sabha 2024: Pannian Raveendran from Thiruvananthapuram, Annie Raja from Wayanad, VS Sunil Kumar from Thrissur and Arun Kumar from Mavelikara https://t.co/0gza2ZkB41 pic.twitter.com/QwCWq6Op8P— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024These announcements signal the CPIs strategic positioning as the electoral landscape unfolds in Kerala ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
