Lok Sabha Elections 2024: CPI announces candidates in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi likely to leave Wayanad

As the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, discussions on seat sharing within opposition alliances intensify, particularly within the opposition's 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.

Among 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 CPI's 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).

Rahul 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).

Who is Annie Raja?

Annie Raja, the nominated candidate, holds significant stature within the CPI as the spouse of D Raja, the party's 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, Raja's political journey traces back to her involvement with the CPI's student and youth wings during her formative years.

Speculations are rife about Rahul Gandhi's 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 ticket?

In addition to Annie Raja's 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. 

These announcements signal the CPI's strategic positioning as the electoral landscape unfolds in Kerala ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.