Priyanka Gandhi files nomination for Wayanad bypolls
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election. This will be her first entry into electoral politics since she became politically active five years ago. The nomination was filed in the presence of local leaders. She will begin a roadshow with her brother Rahul Gandhi from Kalpetta New Bus Stand later.
Priyanka officially signed her nomination papers today
Wayanad bypoll: A potential Nehru-Gandhi family milestone
If Priyanka wins the bypoll, it will be a historic moment for the Nehru-Gandhi family as three of its members—Priyanka, Sonia, and Rahul—will serve together as MPs for the first time. The Congress had announced Priyanka's candidacy after Rahul decided to keep his Rae Bareli seat and vacate Wayanad. The Election Commission announced the bypoll last week. It will be held on November 13 with results on November 23.
Priyanka's candidacy sparks discussions on 'dynasty politics'
Priyanka's electoral debut has also reignited debates within the Congress about "dynasty politics." However, some party leaders believe that criticisms of dynastic rule would persist as long as the Nehru-Gandhi family remains at its helm, no matter how many family members enter Parliament. The Congress hopes Priyanka's candidacy can invigorate its campaign after a recent defeat in Haryana.
Congress strategizes to address organizational issues
The Congress is also strategizing to fix organizational issues which resulted in Rahul's vote share declining in previous elections. Priyanka will be pitted against veteran Left leader Sathyan Mokeri of Communist Party of India and Kozhikode municipal councilor Navya Haridas of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rahul represented the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency from 2019 and 2024.
