Rahul writes a letter to the people of Wayanad and says their love protected him

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wrote an emotional letter to the residents of Wayanad, the constituency he is giving up to represent Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha, saying that when he faced abuse on a daily basis, their unconditional love protected him.

Rahul had won both the Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies and has to vacate either of the seats within 14 days of the Lok Sabha results, which were declared on June 4. He gives up Wayanad and his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is set to contest from there in the subsequent bypoll.

“I was a stranger to you and yet you believed in me. You embraced me with unbridled love and affection. It didn’t matter what political formation you supported, it didn’t matter what community you came from or what religion you believed in or what language you spoke,” Rahul said.

“As I faced abuse day after day, your unconditional love protected me. You were my refuge, my home and my family. I never once felt like you doubted me,” he said.

The Congress leader said his sister Priyanka Gandhi will represent Wayanad if the people give her an opportunity and expressed confidence that she will do an excellent job as their MP.

After a leadership meeting in New Delhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had said on June 17 that Rahul will retain the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh and vacate the Wayanad seat where his sister Priyanka will contest.

In his letter written on Sunday, Rahul also said he should not forget the “courage, beauty and confidence” with which young girls translate his speeches in front of thousands of people.

“I don’t know how to thank you for what you did for me. For the love and protection you gave me when I needed it most. You are part of my family and I will always be there for all of you ,” he said.

First print: June 23, 2024 | 8:23 PM IST