BJP backs BDJS candidate against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

The BDJS is a political party formed by leaders of influential but economically backward Ezhava community aiming to make inroads into Kerala's bipolar political space, which was dominated by either Congress led UDF or CPI-M led LDF.

Set up by the social organisation Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, the BDJS in largely seen as the third front in the state.

"I proudly announce Thushar Vellappally, president of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena as NDA candidate from Wayanad," BJP chief Amit Shah tweeted.

Mr Shah also wrote: "A vibrant and dynamic youth leader, he represents our commitment towards development and social justice. With him, NDA will emerge as Kerala's political alternative."

On Sunday, the Congress announced that Mr Gandhi, who is also contesting from Amethi in UP, will make Wayanad his second constituency.

Interacting with a private TV Channel on Sunday, Shah also has said: "I am not saying Rahul Gandhiji is moving to Kerala because of he faces a tough fight in Amethi this time, but this is the fact."

In 2009 and 2014, Congress leader M I Shanavas had won the seat defeating CPI nominees on both the occasions.

The seat fell vacant in November owing to the death of Shanavas on November 21, 2018.

Nilambur, Wandoor and Eranad Assembly segments under the Wayanad constituency have a sizeable Muslim population.

The Muslim League also has strong presence. Another assembly segment Thiruvambady has almost equal number of Christian and Muslim population, say locals.

Among the Left partners, the Wayanad seat went to CPI and the party has already named P P Suneer, a state CPI executive member as the candidate. CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy has announced that the party will not withdraw candidate in favour of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and will fight the election with full might.

Thushar Vellappally was earlier named as candidate from Thrissur but the new decision was taken in the wake of Mr Gandhi contesting from Wayanad.

In the last few years, BJP Chief Amit Shah worked hard with leaders of state and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) who took up the cause of Ezhava community.

In fact, the coming together of SNDP and BJP had in 2015-16 had unnerved both UDF and LDF leaders and even some case were slapped on SNDP.

BJP sources said here while Kerala Congress president V M Sudheeran had sought legal action alleging against the organisation for trying to divide society along religious lines, CPI(M) veteran VS Achuthanandan had filed a vigilance complaint seeking a probe into alleged irregularities of Rs 15 crore in the micro-finance scheme of SNDP.