Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi (File photo) NEW DELHI: Kerala Police registered a case on Saturday in connection to the food kits bearing the images of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad. The case, filed under BNS Section 173 and the Representation of the People Act, comes after the Election Commission’s flying squad and local police seized around 30 kits ahead of bypolls in the constituency, scheduled for November 13. Congress officials stated the kits were meant for survivors of the July 30 landslide in Wayanad, while the ruling Left Front alleged they were intended to influence voters ahead of the by-polls.
The kits, found at a flour mill near a local Congress leader's residence, contained staples like tea, sugar, and rice. Apart from Rahul and Priyanka, the kits also included pictures of Karnataka chief minister Siddharamaiah, and deputy CM DK Shivakumar, as per PTI sources. An official confirmed that investigations were ongoing to verify the intended use of the kits and their possible impact on the election.
Priyanka Gandhi, running as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, faces CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas in the upcoming polls. The Wayanad by-election became essential when Rahul Gandhi relinquished this constituency, opting to keep Rae Bareli after winning both seats during this year's general elections..