As she filed her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha by-election in Wayanad, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday made her much anticipated electoral debut. The occasion also marked a big milestone in her political career, bearing immense significance for her party and the Gandhi family.
A backroom strategist and a campaign manager for her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi for many years, Priyanka took the political plunge ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 when she was appointed AICC General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh. As her political presence grew and her imprint on some crucial decisions taken by the Congress became evident, it was felt that it was only a matter of time before the 52-year-old Priyanka would contest elections. The question was asked ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year too, and speculation was rife that she would contest from either Amethi or Rae Bareli, the two seats in UP that have for many years been represented by members of the Gandhi family.
When Rahul contested from both Rae Bareli and Wayanad in the Lok Sabha polls, it was speculated if she would take over from her brother in whichever of the two seats he decided to vacate. When asked this during the campaign for Amethi and Rae Bareli, which she helmed, she dodged the question or gave open-ended replies.
LIVE: Nomination | Road Show | Wayanad | Kerala.https://t.co/Wg7X54tdAh
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) October 23, 2024
The Wayanad contest marks a significant milestone in the political career of Priyanka and is expected to enhance her stature as a leader. It is widely believed that she should win the seat with ease, which will result in the first family of the Congress having three members in Parliament.
Also read: Video | Priyanka Gandhi kicks off campaign; entire family joins her in roadshow
Rahul is already a Lok Sabha MP, while Sonia is a Rajya Sabha member. This is expected to be a significant turnaround from the situation post the Lok Sabha election debacle of 2019 when questions were being asked about the role and influence of the Gandhi family both within and outside the Congress. Priyanka has been unsparing in her attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, and her presence in the Lok Sabha is expected to result in some interesting exchanges between the ruling side and the opposition benches in the house. However, the BJP is expected to attack the Gandhis and the Congress for promoting dynastic politics.
Priyanka’s candidature from Wayanad has the added significance of conveying to the people of Kerala as well as the electorate in the other southern states that they are important for the Congress. As Rahul gave up Wayanad for Rae Bareli, it was crucial that he also made it clear to the people of the constituency and Kerala as a whole that he was not abandoning the seat since his sister would replace him.
