Priyanka Gandhi to File Nomination for Wayanad By-Election Today

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to file her nomination today for the Lok Sabha by-election in Wayanad. This marks her first foray into electoral politics. Priyanka, accompanied by her mother, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress Parliamentary Party President, arrived in Wayanad on Tuesday evening to begin her campaign. Their arrival saw Sonia Gandhi returning to Kerala after a decade-long hiatus. The mother-daughter duo reached Mysore by a special flight at 6:15 pm before traveling directly to Sultan Bathery by road. The by-election in Wayanad was necessitated following Rahul Gandhi’s decision to relinquish the seat after winning in two different constituencies in the last Lok Sabha elections. Rahul, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had to vacate one of the seats as per election rules, prompting the need for this by-election.

Joining Priyanka and Sonia will be Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who will participate in a 1.5-km roadshow today, leading up to the nomination filing. The roadshow will commence at 11 am from the new bus stand area of Kalpetta, concluding with Priyanka addressing the public at Goodlai, near the Kerala Water Authority office, at 11:45 am. This event aims to build momentum for her campaign and engage with the voters of Wayanad, as she embarks on her journey to represent the constituency in Parliament.

In anticipation of Priyanka’s nomination, Rahul Gandhi took to social media, expressing his support for his sister’s candidacy. He shared a heartfelt post, stating that Wayanad holds a special place in his heart and that he couldn’t think of a better representative than Priyanka. Rahul emphasized his belief that she would be a passionate advocate for the needs of the people of Wayanad and a strong voice in Parliament. He encouraged the public to join them on October 23 for the nomination event, urging collective efforts to ensure that Wayanad is represented with love and commitment.

The Wayanad by-election holds significance for the Congress party, especially as it is a seat previously held by Rahul Gandhi. With Priyanka stepping into the electoral arena for the first time, her campaign is expected to draw considerable attention, not just in Kerala but across the country. The roadshow and her address to the public aim to galvanize support and reinforce the party’s connection with the constituency. The event is also seen as a strategic move by the Congress to bolster its presence in Kerala and present a united front under the leadership of the Gandhi family.

As Priyanka files her nomination today, the Wayanad constituency gears up for an election that promises to be a closely watched contest. Her candidacy is viewed as a significant development, not only for the Congress party but also for the broader political landscape in India. The by-election will serve as a test of the party’s strength in Kerala and will potentially set the tone for future electoral battles in the state. With key leaders like Sonia, Rahul, and Mallikarjun Kharge rallying behind Priyanka, the Congress is aiming to secure a win and reaffirm its influence in the region.