National Desk
23 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra officially began her campaign today by filing her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election. Addressing a rally in Kalpeta before filing her papers, Priyanka mentioned that she has 35 years of political experience, having first joined her father Rajiv Gandhi’s election campaign in 1989 at the age of 17. Since then, she has campaigned for her mother Sonia Gandhi, brother Rahul Gandhi, and other party colleagues.
During her speech, Priyanka expressed her honor at being nominated to represent the people of Wayanad. Senior Congress leaders, including Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, were present on stage to show their support.
Following her nomination, Priyanka led a vibrant road show in Kalpeta, starting from the new bus stand. Rahul Gandhi accompanied her during the event, along with her husband Robert Vadra and Congress IUML leaders. The road show attracted significant public attention and support, marking the beginning of her campaign for the Wayanad seat.
Priyanka’s entry into the Wayanad race highlights the Congress party’s focus on consolidating support in Kerala, particularly after Rahul Gandhi had represented the constituency in the past. Her campaign is expected to strengthen the party’s presence in the region ahead of the by-election.