Kerala: Rajnath Singh questions Rahul Gandhi’s electoral approach post-Amethi debacle

In an election rally held in Pathanamthitta on April 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made significant remarks regarding Rahul Gandhi’s electoral choices. Singh asserted that Gandhi, following his defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, refrained from contesting from Amethi. The Defence Minister addressed the rally in support of Anil K. Antony, the BJP-NDA candidate for the Pathanamthitta parliamentary constituency and son of Congress veteran A K Antony. Singh suggested that after his loss in Amethi, Gandhi shifted his focus to Kerala, particularly Wayanad. However, Singh noted a shift in voter sentiment in Wayanad, indicating that constituents may not support Gandhi’s candidacy for MP in the upcoming elections.

The Defence Minister highlighted the progress of space programs in India over recent years, contrasting it with the absence of significant political advancements for the Congress party. He emphasized that while Bharat’s space endeavors have seen notable achievements, there has been a lack of similar progress in launching or establishing young Congress leaders. The Defence Minister specifically mentioned the absence of a successful launch or landing of Congress’s ‘Rahulyaan’ in the political arena for the past two decades.

Rajnath Singh praised the integrity and principles of A K Antony, stating that his honesty and sincerity are beyond doubt. He expressed surprise at Antony’s statement indicating that he wished for his son’s defeat in the election. Singh acknowledged the moral dilemma Antony faces but emphasised that he cannot actively support his son’s campaign. Instead, Singh expressed his intention to urge A K Antony to bless his son, Anil, in his electoral endeavors.

Further, he remarked on the political dynamics in Kerala, highlighting the rivalry between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) within the state, despite their cooperative stance outside Kerala. He asserted that the Modi Government has delivered on its promises, citing achievements such as the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the abrogation of Article 370, and successful space missions like Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan, and Adityayaan.

In January 2024, Anil Antony parted ways with the Congress party. Recently, he criticised his father, former Defense Minister A K Antony, for campaigning for Congress candidate Anto Antony, who is contesting against Anil in the elections. Anto Antony’s controversial statement alleging the Modi government’s involvement in the Pulwama blast drew criticism from Anil, who expressed regret over the remarks, considering them detrimental to the country’s interests. Despite his stature as a former Defense Minister, A K Antony did not intervene to address his colleague’s comments. Anil Antony is now a prominent member of the BJP’s central leadership, serving as the party’s national secretary.

Following his engagement in Pathanamthitta, the Defence Minister shifted his focus to the Kollam parliamentary constituency. G Krishnakumar, a renowned cine artist, is contesting as the BJP candidate in Kollam, where he is up against the incumbent Lok Sabha member NK Premachandran of RSP/UDF and Mukesh, also a cine artist and sitting MLA of LDF.

Rajnath Singh addressed massive gatherings in the Kottayam and Mavelikkara constituencies as part of his election campaign.