Malappuram: Amidst growing speculation about Rahul Gandhi's potential shift to Uttar Pradesh, senior Congress leaders in the Wayanad constituency are deliberating over the right candidate to field in his place. Rahul Gandhi's interest in Wayanad was evident with his considerable victory margin of 3,64,422 votes. However, he also won by a margin of 3,90,030 votes in Rae Bareli. There is still time until the swearing-in of MPs for him to decide which constituency he will retain.

Speculation is widespread among Congress workers in Delhi, suggesting that Priyanka Gandhi could be the one to step into Wayanad. Though the likelihood is low, it is not entirely dismissed by leaders in Wayanad. 

Within the discussions, a notable criterion emerges: the potential candidate must be a woman, given the absence of female MPs from Kerala in this election. Local women leaders from Wayanad are being considered for the position, but any decision awaits Rahul Gandhi's move, said the leaders.