Chennai

BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan has criticized Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s decision to contest the bypoll for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, questioning her ability to connect with voters. He raised concerns about her proficiency in Malayalam, stating that local residents might need a translator to communicate with her. In a video posted on Wednesday, Kesavan asked whether Wayanad’s voters want a representative who is rarely present in the constituency, likening her to an absentee landlord. He argued that her lack of consistent engagement would prevent her from understanding and addressing the community’s issues effectively.

In contrast, Avinash Pandey, the Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge, expressed optimism about Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy. He emphasized that she would represent Wayanad similarly to her brother, Rahul Gandhi, and is confident that the residents will support her. The Congress party recently announced her candidacy for the Wayanad seat, which was previously held by Rahul Gandhi before he won elections in both Wayanad and Raebareli earlier this year.

Wayanad’s bypoll is scheduled for November 13, alongside other assembly elections in 15 states. If Priyanka wins, she will join the ranks of the Gandhi family in Parliament, with Sonia Gandhi already serving as a Rajya Sabha member. Election results will be declared on November 23.