Wayanad, Kerala – In a significant political development, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra filed her nomination today for the by-election in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat. This by-election became necessary after her brother, Rahul Gandhi, resigned from the seat earlier this year.
In an emotional message, Priyanka expressed her gratitude toward the people of Wayanad for the love and support shown to Rahul Gandhi and now to her. “Filing my nomination for the Wayanad by-election today was a moment filled with emotion. The love you’ve shown to Rahul Ji, and now to me, is something I carry with me every step of the way,” she stated.
She further emphasized her commitment to representing the people and addressing their concerns. “Wayanad’s strength lies in its people—their kindness, resilience, and belief in a better future. I will listen to your voices, raise the issues that matter to you, and work tirelessly for the progress of Wayanad. To every supporter, every UDF worker, and every family that stood by us—thank you from the depths of my heart,” she said.
The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, located in northern Kerala, has a diverse electorate, including tribal communities, farmers, and urban populations. It is known for its scenic beauty but also faces challenges such as environmental issues, agrarian distress, and the need for improved infrastructure.
In the 2019 general elections, Wayanad gained national attention when Rahul Gandhi, then the Congress President, decided to contest from the seat in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. His decision was seen as a strategic move to strengthen Congress’s presence in South India. Rahul won the Wayanad seat by a landslide, securing over 65% of the votes, defeating his closest rival, P.P. Suneer of the CPI, by a margin of more than 4 lakh votes. Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy is being viewed as an effort by the Congress to retain its influence in Kerala and send a strong message about the Gandhi family’s commitment to the constituency.
Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into the electoral race has rejuvenated Congress supporters in Wayanad, and her promise to address key local issues has struck a chord with many. All eyes will now be on the constituency as it heads into a high-stakes by-election.