Amid heavy security, Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Wayanad

Kalpetta: AICC president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday filed his nomination from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

Mr. Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and senior Congress leaders including K.C. Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik, submitted the papers before the district Collector A.R. Ajayakumar at the district headquarters here.

Heavy security was in place in and around the Collectorate ahead of the high profile visit of the Congress chief.

Mr. Gandhi, Ms. Vadra and other leaders reached the area by a special helicopter that landed in a nearby school ground.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi undertakes a roadshow along with AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders in Wayanad, Kerala, after filing his nomination papers on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi undertakes a roadshow along with AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders in Wayanad, Kerala, after filing his nomination papers on Thursday, April 4, 2019.   | Photo Credit: Biju Govind

Braving the scorching heat, thousands of party workers including women and youth gathered waving party flags and raising slogans.

Road show

As the massive crowd of supporters gathered on both sides of the road, security personnel had a tough time controlling the workers to clear the way for the vehicle.

Mr. Gandhi and Ms Vadra, attired in a mustard and red border saree, waved to the crowd.

As the vehicle inched forward, Mr. Gandhi was seen shaking hands with many elated supporters.

People were seen clicking photos on their mobile phones and waving flags of the Congress party and its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).