South India 'feels hostility' from Modi, says Rahul

New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed people in South India "feel hostility" from PM Narendra Modi and said he decided to contest from Wayanad in Kerala to send out the message that he stands with them.

The Congress announced on Sunday that party chief Gandhi will contest from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, besides his traditional stronghold of Amethi in UP.

"There is a feeling in South India, a very strong feeling in South India, that they are not being carried (along) by the current government. South India feels hostility from Mr Narendra Modi, they feel that they are not being included in the decisions of the country," Gandhi said. "So, I wanted to send a message to South India that we are with you and I am standing with you. That is why I am standing from Kerala," he said in response to a question after the launch of the party's manifesto. The Congress' announcement that the party chief will contest from Wayanad evoked sharp reactions from the Left and Right.