Wayanad, October 23:
All eyes are on Wayanad as AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra prepares to file her nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election. This pivotal moment will mark Priyanka’s first direct entry into electoral politics from Kerala, a region that has previously been represented by her brother, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The by-election was called following Rahul Gandhi’s resignation from the Wayanad seat, as he chose to retain his Amethi constituency after winning from both regions in the 2024 general elections. Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm among Congress supporters, who have dubbed her “Vayanadinte Priyankari” (Wayanad’s favourite). A massive roadshow is scheduled to take place before the nomination filing on Wednesday, with Congress heavyweights joining the procession.
Grand Roadshow to Show Party Strength
The roadshow, set to begin from Kalpeta New Bus Stand at 11 a.m., will see Congress Party President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy alongside Priyanka. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, demonstrating the party’s confidence and Priyanka’s appeal as a candidate.
At 12 noon, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will officially file her nomination papers before the Wayanad District Collector, solidifying her candidacy in a race that has garnered national attention.
Priyanka’s Entry into Electoral Politics
This by-election marks a significant milestone in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s political journey. While she has played an active role in campaigning and strategizing for the Congress party, this is her first direct foray into the election field since becoming AICC General Secretary in 2019. Wayanad, a Congress stronghold, presents a promising opportunity for Priyanka to make her mark in Parliament.
The by-election is seen as a litmus test for both Priyanka and the Congress party’s influence in Kerala. Wayanad has remained loyal to Congress in recent years, and Priyanka’s candidacy has been met with excitement, with party workers filling the constituency with posters and slogans.
BJP’s Candidate Navya Haridas Steps Into the Ring
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will face competition from Navya Haridas, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate for the Wayanad by-election. Haridas, a dynamic leader known for her work as a Kozhikode Corporation councillor and the state general secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha, is a mechanical engineer by profession. She completed her B.Tech in 2007 and is a rising star within the BJP. The face-off between Priyanka and Navya is expected to bring national attention to the Wayanad constituency.
Election Schedule and National Significance
The Election Commission of India has scheduled the Wayanad by-election to coincide with several other critical elections across the country. The first phase of polling in Kerala’s 47 assembly constituencies, including Wayanad, will take place on November 13, with the second phase on November 20. The results of the by-election will be announced on November 23.
This election holds national significance as it comes at a time when the Congress party is fighting to regain its footing in various states. Priyanka’s entry into the fray has injected energy into the party’s campaign, and the outcome of the Wayanad by-election could influence the Congress’s strategy heading into future elections.
As Priyanka Gandhi Vadra embarks on her first electoral contest in Wayanad, the stage is set for a political battle that could shape the Congress party’s fortunes and cement her place in Indian politics.
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