BJP Considers Actress Khushbu Sundar as Candidate Against Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad
Wayanad By-Election Heats Up with High-Profile Contestants
In the upcoming by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contemplating nominating actress Khushbu Sundar as its candidate. Although the party has not yet finalized its decision, discussions regarding Sundar’s candidacy are intensifying within BJP circles. Preliminary surveys conducted by the party indicate positive responses from the people of Wayanad.
Significance of Wayanad in National Politics
The by-election in Wayanad is generating considerable interest not just in Kerala, but also in national political arenas. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi won the Wayanad seat but has since vacated it, prompting the need for a by-election. Congress has nominated Priyanka Gandhi as its candidate, with the elections set to take place on November 13.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has also announced that Satyen Mukherjee will be their candidate in Wayanad. Mukherjee is a former legislator and currently serves as the state party’s assistant secretary. In the last Lok Sabha election, the CPI had nominated Annie Raja as their candidate.
BJP’s Strategy Against Priyanka Gandhi
In the previous election, the BJP candidate against Rahul Gandhi was K. Surendran, the party’s Kerala state president. The BJP aims to create a fresh wave of enthusiasm in Wayanad by fielding Khushbu Sundar against Priyanka Gandhi. As a popular figure, Sundar has a significant fan base in Kerala, especially due to her work in various South Indian films, including several successful Malayalam projects.
Khushbu’s Political Journey
Khushbu Sundar, who has been active in politics alongside her acting career, began her political journey with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in Tamil Nadu. However, after disagreements with the current DMK leader and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, she left the party and joined Congress. Khushbu has often been vocal in her support for Rahul Gandhi, frequently attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various issues.
In 2021, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, she switched allegiance from Congress to the BJP, citing a lack of respect within the Congress party. Her entry into the BJP could significantly impact the electoral landscape in Wayanad, particularly given her popularity.
A Controversial Election Ahead
As the election date approaches, the Wayanad by-election is shaping up to be a crucial battleground for the BJP and Congress, with both parties fielding prominent candidates. The involvement of Khushbu Sundar adds a new dimension to the contest, making it one to watch closely.
