Priyanka Gandhi Files Nomination from Wayanad: “After 35 Years of Campaigning for My Family, I’m Finally Seeking Support for Myself”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has filed her nomination from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat following a roadshow. She was accompanied by her brother Rahul Gandhi, mother Sonia Gandhi, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during the event.
Before filing her nomination, Priyanka said, “When I was 17 years old, I campaigned for my father for the first time in 1989. Since then, for 35 years, I have sought votes for my mother and brother. Now, for the first time, I am asking for support for myself.”
This marks Priyanka Gandhi’s first election contest. The BJP has fielded Navyatha Haridas against her. Commenting on Priyanka’s nomination, Navyatha said, “Priyanka will stay in Wayanad for 7 days, but I will work here for the full 5 years.”
Before the nomination, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi held a roadshow. Rahul Gandhi and Robert Vadra were also present with her. After the roadshow, Priyanka submitted her nomination papers.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi won from both Wayanad in Kerala and the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. Later, he chose to keep the traditional family seat of Rae Bareli, leaving Wayanad.
Rahul Gandhi: “I Will Continue to Visit Wayanad”
While stepping away from the Wayanad seat, Rahul Gandhi stated on June 17, “I have a deep connection with Wayanad and Rae Bareli. I have been the MP from Wayanad for the last 5 years. I thank the people for their love and support.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest the elections from Wayanad, but Rahul expressed, “I will continue to visit Wayanad. I have a longstanding relationship with Rae Bareli, and I am happy to have the opportunity to represent them again, but it was a difficult decision.”
After leaving the Wayanad seat, Rahul also wrote a letter to the people there. In the letter, he shared his pain about leaving the Wayanad seat and the love he received from its residents. He wrote, “Five years ago, when I first met you, I was a stranger to you, yet you trusted me.”
Priyanka: “I Won’t Let Wayanad Feel Rahul’s Absence”
After Rahul’s announcement, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed, “I am very excited to represent Wayanad. I won’t let Wayanad feel the absence of Rahul Gandhi. I will work hard and do my best to please everyone and be a good representative. I have a long-standing relationship with Rae Bareli and Amethi that cannot be forgotten. I will also support my brother in Rae Bareli. We will be present in both Rae Bareli and Wayanad.”
When Will Voting Take Place?
On October 15, the Election Commission announced by-elections for 48 assembly constituencies and two parliamentary seats. These by-elections will be held in two phases alongside the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections.
- First Phase: Voting will take place on November 13, which includes 47 assembly seats in Kerala and the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.
- Second Phase: Voting will be conducted on November 20 for the Kedarnath assembly seat in Uttarakhand and the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra.
The vote counting will occur on November 23, and the results will be announced thereafter.
