Wayanad bypolls: Why Priyanka Gandhi's rally had fewer IUML, Congress flags than expected

Kalpetta: It seems like the relationship between the Gandhis and the Indian Union of Muslim League (IUML) flags in Wayanad remains complicated.

Interestingly, the red flags of the Communist parties greatly outnumbered the green ones on the streets of Kalpetta in Wayanad on Wednesday despite the presence of several Congress heavyweights including the Gandhi siblings. The administrative headquarters of Wayanad, the constituency which elected Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi before he opted to vacate the seat, had hundreds of red flags tied to the hand rails and the footpaths on either sides. In contrast, the flags of the Congress or its trusted ally— the Indian Union of Muslim League (IUML)—were few and far between.

ALSO READ: I have 35 years of experience in political arena, says Priyanka Gandhi

For the unversed, when Rahul contested from Wayanad for the first time in 2019, a controversy over the use of IUML flags took the sheen off an otherwise impressive campaign. The green-coloured flags with a crescent were compared to the Pakistan national flag by the BJP-led NDA.

Though IUML is a prominent political force in Kerala and in the south, the Congress suffered much backlash on social media and in the Hindi heartland after right-wing handles questioned why 'Pakistani' flags were waved during Rahul's campaigns in Kerala.

ALSO READ: Priyanka Gandhi kicks off campaign; entire family joins her in roadshow

In 2024, as a precaution, party supporters were asked to use balloons and placards instead of green flags during Rahul's campaigns for the Lok Sabha election. Congress workers were asked not to use their party flag as well to ensure the feelings of their trusted allies were not hurt.

However, the NDA pounced on that too, saying Rahul was ashamed to admit that the Congress was getting IUML's support. Meanwhile, the Left, on the other hand, too questioned the absence of the green flags, claiming that Rahul was afraid of the BJP.

As a result, all eyes were on how the Congress will tackle this issue when Priyanka arrives in Kalpetta to submit her nomination, and to campaign, for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll.

Green and tricolour balloons were out in full force to welcome her, as she seemed to have followed the 'protocol' of her brother's campaign.

A party worker from Omassery told THE WEEK on conditions of anonymity that they were asked to bring balloons and placards. "The party leadership told us last night that we should bring more balloons and avoid flags," he said.

Meanwhile, AICC Minority Department Vice Chairman Ruby Khan refuted claims that there was a ban on party flags in Kalpetta during the rally. The Congress was trying to bring more creativity and innovations to the campaign and there was no plan to avoid something or the other, she told THE WEEK. "Basically everything-everytime-new is always welcome... new ideas and new efforts should be embraced. So it is not about avoiding something officially or unofficially," she said.

However, the scene changed as the frenzy set in. Members of the Muslim Students Federation, the student wing of the IUML, were seen waving their green and white flags when the drums started rolling ahead of Priyanka's much-awaited arrival.

As the road show progressed, flags of both the Congress and the IUML started popping up.

While a single IUML flag was seen in front of the rally, a few more Congress and IUML flags were waved by party supporters away from the open vehicle on which Priyanka and Rahul headed towards the collectorate.

The balloons and placards, for once, managed to outnumber the flags in a political rally.