Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s nomination for the upcoming Wayanad bypolls has set the stage for a critical contest, both for the Congress party and for her personal political trajectory. The bypoll, scheduled for November 13, 2024, comes after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat following his election from Raebareli. Priyanka’s candidacy is seen as a significant move, potentially marking her entry into Parliament as an MP, and further solidifying the Gandhi family’s hold on Wayanad.
Priyanka officially filed her nomination on October 23, accompanied by a grand roadshow led by Rahul Gandhi, who remains a prominent figure in the constituency. The choice of Wayanad reflects Congress’s strategy to consolidate its base in southern India, with the party aiming for a significant margin of victory. Priyanka’s campaign is buoyed by her strong personal appeal and the loyalty of Congress’s UDF allies in Kerala. The seat was previously a Congress stronghold, with Rahul Gandhi winning by a margin of 3.64 lakh votes in the 2024 general elections.
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Rahul Gandhi, in a public statement, expressed confidence in his sister’s victory, emphasizing that Wayanad now effectively has two representatives from the Gandhi family. “The people of Wayanad should feel they have both of us working for them,” he said, highlighting the duo’s close connection to the region. Priyanka also reassured voters that she would continue to maintain close ties with Wayanad while balancing her long-standing responsibilities in Amethi and Raebareli.
The CPI, Congress’s main rival, has fielded veteran leader Sathyan Mokeri in a bid to challenge Priyanka. Meanwhile, the BJP has yet to announce its candidate, though Congress sources are confident of a sweeping victory, with some speculating that Priyanka could secure over 5 lakh votes.
As the campaign progresses, Priyanka Gandhi’s bid for Wayanad is seen not only as a fight for a parliamentary seat but also as a broader effort to re-energize Congress’s national presence, especially after a challenging 2024 general election.
