A case has been registered in Kerala's Wayanad district over posters targeting Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The posters, which appeared in several parts of the constituency, warned that Wayanad could become 'another Amethi' if the Gandhis fail to pay attention to the region's development.
Posters Warn of Neglect
The posters, allegedly put up by unknown individuals, carried messages cautioning the Congress leaders against neglecting Wayanad. They drew a parallel with Amethi, the traditional Gandhi family bastion in Uttar Pradesh, which the Congress lost to the BJP in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The posters read: 'Wayanad will become the next Amethi if you ignore it.'
Case Registered
Based on a complaint, the Kerala Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for creating public nuisance and potential defamation. The police are investigating the source of the posters and the motive behind the campaign. No arrests have been made so far.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked political reactions in the state. Congress leaders have condemned the posters, calling them a conspiracy to defame the Gandhi family. They alleged that the BJP and its allies are behind the campaign to create unrest in the constituency. On the other hand, BJP leaders have denied any involvement and accused the Congress of playing the victim card.
Rahul Gandhi, who represents Wayanad in the Lok Sabha, has been a frequent visitor to the constituency since his election in 2019. However, his focus on national politics has led to criticism from some quarters about his attention to local issues. The posters appear to tap into this sentiment.
Background of Amethi Comparison
Amethi, once a stronghold of the Gandhi family, was lost to the BJP's Smriti Irani in the 2019 elections. The defeat was attributed to the perceived neglect of the constituency by Rahul Gandhi, who had represented it for three consecutive terms. The comparison with Wayanad is seen as an attempt to warn the Congress leaders against repeating the same mistake.
Wayanad, a constituency in the hilly region of Kerala, has traditionally been a Congress stronghold. Rahul Gandhi won the seat in 2019 with a significant margin, and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has also been active in the region. However, the recent posters indicate growing discontent among some sections of the electorate.
Investigation Underway
The police are examining CCTV footage and questioning locals to identify those responsible for the posters. They have also collected samples of the posters for forensic analysis. The investigation is in its early stages, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
This development comes at a time when the Congress party is trying to strengthen its base in Kerala, where it is the main opposition to the ruling Left Democratic Front. The party has dismissed the posters as a 'dirty trick' by political rivals to divert attention from real issues.
