Rahul Gandhi To Vacate Wayanad Seat To Retain Rae Bareli? Here's What Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Said

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was elected from two constituencies in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections - Wayanad in Kerala and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, will now need to relinquish one seat soon.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K Sudhakaran has now hinted that Gandhi might relinquish the Wayanad seat as per a report by Hindustan Times.

During a public meeting on Wednesday (13 June), Sudhakaran suggested that Rahul Gandhi would likely retain the Rae Bareli seat. He reassured the people of Kerala, saying that Gandhi, who is expected to lead the nation, cannot be expected to remain in Wayanad.

"We should not be saddened as Rahul Gandhi who is supposed to lead the nation cannot be expected to remain in Wayanad. Therefore, we should not be sad. Everyone should understand that and give all their wishes and support to him," Sudhakaran said.

At another public meeting in Edavanna, Malappuram, Rahul Gandhi expressed his dilemma over which seat to relinquish.

He stated, "I have a dilemma before me, whether I should be the MP of Wayanad or of Rae Bareli. What I will commit to you is that both Wayanad and Rae Bareli will be happy with my decision."

According to the Representation of People Act, a candidate can contest from two Lok Sabha constituencies but can hold only one seat at a time. The candidate has two weeks from the date of the results' declaration to decide which seat to retain.

Since the Lok Sabha election results were declared on 4 June, Rahul Gandhi must announce his decision by 18 June.

In the 2019 general elections, Gandhi contested from Amethi and Wayanad, losing the former. In the 2024 elections, he contested from Wayanad and Rae Bareli, winning both with significant margins. However, his victory margin in Wayanad was lesser than in 2019.