Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala on Wednesday, District Collector Dr Renuraj said.

Rahul, the incumbent MP from Wayanad Constituency arrived at Thalakkal ground in Moopainad around 1030 hours by helicopter along with his sister and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi.

Thousands of Congress led United Democratic Front (UDF) activists including women and children thronged to Thalakkal ground. Both the Congress leaders greeted the people, assembled there to have a glimpse of them.

Later Rahul left to attend the road show on an open vehicle,which began around 1100 hours from Meppadi to Kalpetta Collectorate.

There were thousands of people standing on both sides of the road to welcome the former AICC President by carrying flags, placards with Rahul Gandhi photographs and balloons.

AICC General secretary K C Venugopal, Opposition leader V D Satheeshan, KPCC Acting secretary M M Hassan, Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and IUML General secretary P K Kunhalikutty also accompaned Gandhi in the road show.

Rahul said " he is always with the people of Wayanad in all issues, including the human-animal conflict and for the protection of democracy and constitution. He said the people of Wayand know who is tackling the democratic and constitutional situation of the nation.

All the issues faced by the people of Wayand will be brought to the attention of the nation to resolve it amicably.

Gandhi said, 'Wayanad is my home and all of them are family members and was deeply grateful for their support and added that "I will do all the best of my abilities to resolve the issues of the people as a reciprocal dedication from my side."

Later, Rahul Gandhi visited a nearby colony and interacted with the family members . He will leave for New Delhi from Kannur International Airport in the evening.
Meanwhile, LDF candidate Annie Raja, wife of CPI General secretary D Raja)also filed her nomination today and another main opponent BJP State President K Surendran of NDA will file nomination on Thursday.

Union Minister Smrithi Irani will visit Wayanad tomorrow to accompany him to submit the nomination papers.

In the 2019 LS election, INC's candidate Rahul Gandhi won with a huge margin of 4,31,770 votes against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate P P Suneer of CPI.

LDF candidate Suneer secured 2,74,597 votes and NDA candidate Thushar Vellappally bagged 78,816 votes.

(With UNI inputs)