The political legacy of the Congress party and the Gandhis has deep roots in South India. Indira Gandhi, after suffering a major political setback in the 1977 elections post-Emergency, found her political lifeline in the Chikkamangaluru constituency of Karnataka. Facing defeat in Rae Bareli, she turned to Chikkamangaluru in 1978, where a fierce campaign turned the tides for her. This win rejuvenated both her and the Congress, ultimately leading to her return to power in 1980. This marked the beginning of a deep connection between the Gandhis and the southern states.

South India has consistently provided a safe haven for Congress during its political crises. In the aftermath of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991, the Congress faced a leadership vacuum. Sonia Gandhi, after much hesitation, took the reins of the party, and once again, it was the southern states that became the cornerstone of Congress’s resurgence. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala formed the bedrock of the Congress revival, while the northern states continued to desert the party.

Rahul Gandhi, continuing this legacy, found his own political resurrection in Wayanad, Kerala. After a shocking defeat in Amethi in the 2019 elections to BJP’s Smriti Irani, Wayanad provided him with a platform to rebuild. His emotional connection with the people of Wayanad, as he often mentions, gave him the strength to navigate turbulent times. As North India increasingly turned into BJP territory, the South remained steadfast in its support for Congress.

Now, with Rahul Gandhi stepping down from his Wayanad seat, the torch has passed to Priyanka Gandhi. Making her electoral debut from Wayanad, Priyanka faces a significant challenge from BJP’s Navya Haridas and the Left’s Sathyan Mokeri. This decision to field Priyanka reflects Congress’s determination to retain its grip on the southern states, where the party still finds strong support.

Historically, the South has been a bulwark for Congress, especially during elections. In the 1977 post-Emergency elections, while Congress was wiped out in the North, the southern states saved the party’s honor by securing 92 out of 154 seats. Similarly, in the 1980 elections, Indira Gandhi’s victory from both Rae Bareli and Medak (Telangana) symbolized her stronghold in the South.

Sonia Gandhi’s own political career was strengthened by southern states, most notably during her contest from Karnataka’s Ballari in 1999 against BJP’s Sushma Swaraj. Although Swaraj fought valiantly, even learning Kannada for her campaign, Sonia emerged victorious, cementing the Congress foothold in the region. This victory laid the foundation for the Congress’s return to power in 2004 and 2009.

As Congress grapples with political challenges in the north, particularly in the face of BJP dominance, the southern states remain the party’s fortress. With Congress-led governments already in place in Karnataka, Telangana, and through its alliance in Tamil Nadu, Priyanka Gandhi’s candidature in Wayanad reflects a broader Congress strategy—Mission South.

For the BJP, the South has been a more difficult political terrain. While it holds considerable influence in the North, the South remains a challenge. Congress, on the other hand, has continued to leverage its historical connections in the region. By fielding Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad, Congress sends a clear message that it will not treat the South as a mere political afterthought but as an essential part of its strategy.

With three southern states under its control and potential in Andhra Pradesh, Congress is building a formidable front in the South. Political analysts believe that Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into South Indian politics could solidify Congress’s standing in the region, just as the South has historically strengthened the Gandhis during times of political crisis.

As Indian politics continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—the South is not just a political sanctuary for the Congress party, but its beating heart, sustaining the Gandhis through the toughest of times.

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However, the political landscape took a sharp turn in 2014. Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Congress party was decimated in North India, losing its once impregnable strongholds. Even the Gandhi family’s political bastion, Amethi, crumbled as the Congress’ influence waned. The party fell below 50 seats and faced further defeats in 2019, when Rahul Gandhi lost the Amethi election to BJP’s Smriti Irani. However, in a strategic move, Rahul Gandhi also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, which not only saved him politically but also opened new opportunities for Congress in southern India.

Rahul’s decision to contest from Wayanad in 2019 and again in 2024 proved to be pivotal for the Congress party. His presence in Kerala revitalized the Congress, allowing it to sweep the state in 2019. The southern states, particularly Kerala, became a lifeline for the Congress during Modi’s era of dominance in the north. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress won 99 parliamentary seats, with a significant contribution from the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

Sensing the importance of maintaining its stronghold in the south, the Congress made a bold move after Rahul Gandhi vacated the Wayanad seat. To continue its mission of strengthening ties with the southern electorate, the party fielded Priyanka Gandhi in the by-election. This strategic decision sends a clear message: the Congress is committed to keeping the South as a vital part of its political roadmap. By nominating Priyanka, the Congress aims to ensure that its grip on southern politics remains firm.

The Congress party views South India as a key to its survival in the national political landscape. With strong BJP roots in the North, the southern region offers Congress a secure route. Rahul Gandhi’s win from Wayanad and the successful Bharat Jodo Yatra, which began in Kanyakumari, have significantly bolstered Congress’ prospects in the region. The Yatra helped the party reconnect with southern voters, bringing Congress back into the political limelight.

Currently, the Congress holds power in Karnataka and Telangana, and it partners with the DMK in Tamil Nadu. The party is also working to establish stronger political roots in Andhra Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy in Wayanad aligns with the Congress’ broader mission to solidify its base in southern states and prevent the region from being treated as a mere “stepney” for northern failures.

As Priyanka Gandhi steps into Wayanad, political analysts believe her leadership will further strengthen the Congress’ presence in South India, ensuring that the party continues to be a formidable force in the region’s politics.

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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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