The young face of Gandhi family to test Wayanad waters

With the answer now being out for the big question of who will come to Wayanad after Rahul Gandhi chose Rae Bareli over the Kerala constituency, another member of the Gandhi family reaches the election floor. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will make her electoral debut from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, a decision that marks a significant stride for the leader who was appointed Congress general secretary in 2019.

For many years, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had preferred to stay away from the limelight while taking care of the family strongholds of Amethi and Rae Bareli, represented by Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively. Since entering active politics, she has canvassed for the party in different parts of the country. There had been speculation from time to time that the party may send her to Rajya Sabha, but she has decided to contest a Lok Sabha bypoll for her Parliament debut.

She is not new to Wayanad. In 2019, when Rahul came to contest in Wayanad, Priyanka was active in election campaigns. Apart from this, when Rahul was disqualified for the post of MP, Priyanka came along with him when he came to Wayanad to meet the people. An entire nation rallied behind Rahul and Priyanka that day. Protests against Rahul's disqualification had erupted on the streets of Kalpetta. 

Finally, when Rahul came to contest for the second time in Wayanad, Priyanka was active in the campaigns. The people of Wayanad gave a huge welcome to Priyanka, who criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a strong language, as well.

Priyanka started as the campaign manager of Sonia Gandhi who contested in Rae Bareli in 2004. She was also active in the election campaigns of his brother Rahul Gandhi. In 2017, Priyanka Gandhi was in charge of around ten constituencies, including Amethi and Rae Bareli, when Rahul Gandhi was involved in all the political campaigns in the State during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. 

Wayanad is also going to witness a big history if Priyanka wins the seat from Wayanad, a stronghold of Congress. It will be recorded in history that three people from one family reach the parliament at once. If Priyanka wins from Wayanad, three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family will be in Parliament - Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha and Rahul and Priyanka in the Lok Sabha.

Through Priyanka, the Congress could respond to the opposing parties’ allegation that Rahul had cheated the people of Wayanad. 

Even though Rahul Gandhi's majority in the constituency had decreased this time, it is expected to rise when Priyanka comes. (with PTI inputs)