Smriti Irani says Rahul Gandhi has insulted Amethi by also contesting Wayanad

Union Textiles Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani said on Thursday that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had “insulted” the people of Amethi by deciding to contest from Wayanad in Kerala as well.

Irani’s charge

Irani, who was on a two-day visit to Amethi, spoke as Rahul was in Wayanad to file his nomination. She said he had enjoyed power for years because of Amethi’s support but was now seeking votes elsewhere, and claimed the people of Amethi would not accept this.

Rahul has represented Amethi without defeat since 2004, but faces a strong challenge from Irani, who is again the BJP candidate. In 2014 his winning margin over her shrank to a little over one lakh votes. Irani was also scheduled to address a farmers’ rally in the constituency.

Why the Congress chose Wayanad

The Congress announced on Sunday that Rahul would contest Wayanad in addition to Amethi. The move is seen as an attempt to strengthen the party in south India, especially Kerala, home to 20 Lok Sabha constituencies. Neighbouring Tamil Nadu has 39 seats and Karnataka 28.

Reactions

The decision drew criticism from both the Left and the Right. CPI(M) Politburo member Prakash Karat said it showed the Congress wanted to fight the Left in Kerala.

BJP president Amit Shah also criticised Rahul’s decision to fight from two constituencies, speaking at a rally in Uttar Pradesh. He accused the Congress of vote-bank politics that played with national security, and said Rahul had left Amethi for Kerala because voters there would demand an account of his record.

What happened next

The 2019 Lok Sabha election was counted on 23 May 2019; the BJP won 303 seats and the Congress 52.

Originally published on 4 April 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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