Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, officially filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-polls today, October 23, 2024. The by-election, set for November 13, was triggered after her brother, Rahul Gandhi, vacated the Wayanad seat, having won from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh during the 2024 general elections.
Key Highlights:
Nomination Filed: Priyanka Gandhi signed her nomination papers in the presence of local Congress leaders and supporters. After completing the formalities, she went on a roadshow starting from Kalpetta, a key town in Wayanad district.
Rahul Gandhi’s Arrival: The leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Wayanad this morning. He joined Priyanka at Sulthan Bathery to lead a massive roadshow, which is expected to draw significant attention in the district. The roadshow is set to reinforce Congress’s presence in the region, where Rahul Gandhi won in 2019 and retained a strong voter base until vacating the seat in 2024.
Support from Senior Leaders: The nomination process saw the presence of prominent Congress leaders, including Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states and senior AICC figures. Priyanka’s nomination is seen as a strategic move to retain the party’s stronghold in Wayanad, a constituency that was previously represented by Rahul Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi’s Involvement: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also arrived in Wayanad yesterday, accompanying Priyanka. The mother-daughter duo received a warm welcome upon arrival, reflecting the region’s longstanding support for the Congress party.
Roadshow and Campaign: The roadshow, which began at Kalpetta, is a key event in Priyanka Gandhi’s campaign, aimed at connecting with voters and ensuring Congress’s dominance in the upcoming bypolls. The event is expected to highlight the Gandhi family’s commitment to the people of Wayanad.
As the Wayanad by-polls draw closer, Congress is aiming to mobilize support, with Priyanka Gandhi’s candidature signalling the party’s resolve to retain this critical seat in Kerala.