Priyanka Gandhi To Make Political Debut From Wayanad: What’s At Stake?

With the Election Commission (EC) announcing bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is preparing for her electoral debut in Kerala. This significant move could mark her entry into Parliament five years after she joined active politics.

The stage is set for a notable family presence in Parliament, as this will also be the first occasion when all three members of the Gandhi family—Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka—are serving together.

The announcement comes after the Congress party revealed in June that Rahul Gandhi would retain his parliamentary seat in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, while vacating the Wayanad constituency, which he won in the last two elections. This change opens the door for Priyanka Gandhi to step into the political arena officially.

The Wayanad bypoll, alongside the Nanded Lok Sabha seat and elections in 48 Assembly constituencies, is scheduled for November 13. This election will coincide with the first phase of polling for the Jharkhand Assembly.

Priyanka’s Political Journey

Since entering active politics in 2019, Priyanka Gandhi has been seen as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in Varanasi, and as a successor to her mother, Sonia Gandhi, in Rae Bareli. However, the Congress has now opted to field her from Wayanad, a constituency her brother has represented successfully.

Previously, Priyanka served as the Congress in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, where she gained recognition as a strategic leader and star campaigner. Her efforts were instrumental in the Congress’s performance during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

In response to her candidacy, Priyanka Gandhi expressed confidence, stating, “I am not nervous at all… I am very happy to be able to represent Wayanad. All I will say is that I will not let them feel his (Rahul Gandhi’s) absence.” She emphasized her longstanding relationship with Rae Bareli and her commitment to serve both constituencies effectively.

Growing Influence Within The Party

After her entry into politics, Priyanka Gandhi was appointed as Congress General Secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh and later took on a broader role for the entire state. Although the Congress struggled in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she focused on strengthening the party at the grassroots level.

Her recent elevation to a general secretary position without a specific portfolio in December 2023 signifies her growing influence within the party. As a key strategist and campaigner, she played a crucial role in the Congress’s resurgence in the 2024 elections, helping the party secure 99 seats compared to 52 in 2019.

Priyanka Gandhi’s campaign style, which often involves emotional connections and personal anecdotes, resonates with voters. She effectively countered Modi’s comments during the campaign by reminding voters of her mother’s sacrifices for the country, showcasing her ability to blend familial narratives with national issues.

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