Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-poll in Kerala on Wednesday. This marks her electoral debut after her formal entry into politics in 2019. After filing her nomination, Priyanka said that she is grateful for the love she has received from people. Priyanka was appointed as the AICC General Secretary in charge of the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh in 2019 and later as General Secretary of entire state in 2020.
Priyanka filed the nomination papers in the presence of her mother and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, her brother and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and other leaders.
#WATCH | Kerala: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra files her nomination for Wayanad parliamentary by-election, in the presence of CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary KC… pic.twitter.com/ykU6ljJkrm
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
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Upon her arrival in Kerala on Tuesday, she visited a local family in the Wayanad constituency and the home of an ex-serviceman. Sonia Gandhi also accompanied her and both of the leaders were welcomed by party workers.
The Wayanad seat, earlier held by Rahul Gandhi was vacated after his victory in Rae Bareli and Wayanad constituencies. He had won both the seats in Lok Sabha Election of 2024 and retained Rae Bareli.
Ahead of her nomination, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held a roadshow from Kalpetta Bus Stand. She then filed her nomination papers at the district collector’s office in Kalpetta.
#WATCH | Wayanad, Kerala: After filing her nomination, Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "They (people) are already giving me a lot of love and I am very grateful for that…" pic.twitter.com/BUTJVhg5dl
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
Ahead of her nomination filing, she addressed a public meeting at Gudalai, opposite, KWA Office, Kalpetta.
#WATCH | Kerala: Addressing a public rally in Wayanad, Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "These values (truth and non-violence) moved my brother to walk 8000 km across India for love and unity… He could not have done that without your support… You stood with my… pic.twitter.com/nv8gbsP8Mu
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
Wayanad By-Poll
For Wayanad By-poll, BJP has fielded Navya Haridas and Left Democratic Front (LDF) has announced Sathyan Mokeri as their candidates against Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi had said both Rae Bareli and Wayanad would get two MPs and had also expressed confidence in Priyanka Gandhi winning from Wayanad.
Priyanka has been very active in Congress’ campaign, she addressed significant number of rallies during 2024 Lok Sabha Election 2014. She was even considered a strategist behind Congress’ victory in Rae Bareli and Amethi.
Leaders’ Reaction On Her Nomination
Speaking to ANI, Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib said, “A new chapter is about to be written in the history of India. Priyanka ji will file her nomination from Wayanad. Preparations have been made. She raises the voices of women and youth across the country. This voice will now echo in Parliament too.”
IUML National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty said that Gandhi’s nomination will be a big event today.“Last time Rahul Gandhi contested from UP and he won… The Gandhi family can contest from anywhere in India. They can contest from Lakshadweep, Wayanad or UP, they have proven that. Last time they made propaganda about Rahul Ji and what happened afterwards. He won from Raebareli also… You will see that after some time thousands of people will come to Wayanad and follow her to the nomination place. This is going to be a big event here today,” Kunhalikutty said.
#WATCH | Wayanad, Kerala: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty says, "… Last time he (Rahul Gandhi) contested from UP and he won… The Gandhi family can contest from anywhere in India. They can contest from Lakshadweep, Wayanad or UP,… pic.twitter.com/OTse1sv9yW
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
The Wayanad by-poll is scheduled to be held on November 13.
