Amit Shah announces Thushar Vellappally’s candidature from Wayanad

Following the announcement of Rahul Gandhi’s second seat, NDA shifted Bharath Dharma Jana Sena leader Thushar Vellappally to Wayanad take on the Congress president and LDF candidate P P Suneer.

“I proudly announce Shri Thushar Vellappally, President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena as NDA candidate from Wayanad. 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,” BJP president Amit Shah tweeted on Monday.

Wayanad belongs to BDJS according to the seat share pact of NDA. BDJS leader and Thrissur candidate Thushar Vellappally had expressed his interest to take on Rahul if he decides to fight from the hill constituency.

With Thushar shifting to Wayanad, BJP may take over Thrissur seat from the party. Tom Vadakkan has expressed interest to contest from Thrissur. As the state has entered the poll month and just three days left for filing nominations, BJP is expected to take the final call today itself.

By changing their candidate in Wayanad, both the parties are eyeing at the media attention. In 2014, BJP got just 8% of the polled votes in the constituency. As their defeat is confirmed, they hope to gain maximum coverage in state and national media.