Wayanand (Kerala), Apr 4 (IANS): Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that his decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad in Kerala was aimed at sending out a message that India was one.

Speaking to the media before boarding a helicopter to Kozhikode after filing his nomination papers here, Gandhi said: "I have come to Kerala to send a message that India is one.

"I feel there is an assault on all institutions by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. I decided I will contest from south India and also from north India."

The Congress leader accused Modi of ignoring the main issues: lack of jobs and farmers' plight.

"Farmers do not know what is in store for them. The youths have difficulty in finding jobs."

He said he had nothing against Kerala's ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

"I know the CPI-M and Congress are locked in a fight here and it will go on. But I am not going to say a word about the CPI-M. They will attack me and let them do that," added Gandhi.