BJP considering change in Wayanad candidate

With Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad (Kerala), the BJP is planning to field a high profile candidate there.

A decision in this regard is expected late by Sunday night or by Monday.

The NDA had earlier given the Wayanad seat to its alliance partner Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS).

A few days ago, The BDJS announced Paily Vathiattu as its candidate.

The BDJS is learnt to have suggested that its leader Tushar Vellapally would contest from Wayanad and Thrissur.

The Thrissur seat would be given back to the BJP— earlier, Thushar has decided to contest from Thrissur.

BJP sources said that since the Congress president is contesting, the BJP national leadership is expected to take a decision on changing the candidate.

There could be chances of BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai or even Union minister Smriti Irani, who is contesting against Rahul at Amethi, being fielded as an NDA candidate in Wayanad, sources said.

Sreedharan Pillai had earlier flayed Rahul’s candidature at Wayanad saying that it shows the Congress party's desperation.