Congress leader Annie Raja emphasized the critical decision facing her party's leadership: whether to prioritize their opposition to communal-fascist forces or to the Left parties, following Priyanka Gandhi's nomination for the Wayanad seat vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Raja, who contested against Rahul Gandhi in the recent Lok Sabha elections, indicated that her candidacy would be determined by party leadership.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi's decision to retain the Rae Bareli seat and vacate Wayanad for Priyanka, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "UDF announced a woman candidate, I welcome that. But I had raised this question when Rahul Gandhi contested, I am asking this question to Priyanka Gandhi today with all due respect... for you and your party, who is your biggest enemy? Is it communal-fascist forces or the Left parties?" she said.
Addressing the dynamics within the INDIA alliance, Raja noted, "Every party of the LDF is a part of the INDIA alliance, I can very well say she (Priyanka Gandhi) is also a leader of the INDIA alliance. The leader herself is fighting against a party of the alliance," she said. She stressed the importance of unity against communal forces, emphasizing that no single party can defeat them alone. Raja highlighted the CPI's commitment to strengthening the INDIA bloc, underscoring the need for leftist, democratic, and secular parties to unite.
"As far as Congress party is concerned, leader of Congress party Priyanka is concerned, which force do you see as the biggest enemy of your party and the people of this country... is it the fascist forces or the Left parties?" Annie Raja said.
Reflecting on recent electoral outcomes, Raja urged the INDIA alliance to analyze their performance and strengthen their strategy. She emphasized, "The mistakes need to be corrected and the INDIA alliance should be strengthened. This is the most important thing for CPI," she said.
Regarding her potential candidacy in Wayanad, Raja deferred to the party's decision-making process, indicating discussions would occur within the national and Kerala leadership meetings scheduled ahead.
