Delhi/Wayanad- The political landscape in Wayanad, Kerala, is abuzz with speculation and anticipation as the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi contesting from the constituency gains traction.

Local leaders and residents have fervently urged Rahul Gandhi to consider fielding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the event he vacates the seat to retain Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh.

The recent electoral victories in both Raebareli and Amethi have underscored the importance of Rahul Gandhi's presence in Uttar Pradesh. Congress party leaders argue that Rahul's continued representation of Raebareli is crucial for the party's strategic expansion in the state.

Given the party's plans to bolster its organizational strength in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul’s role as the Raebareli MP is seen as instrumental. His influence is expected to directly enhance the party’s prospects and organizational solidity in the region.

Kishori Lal Sharma, a key aide to the Gandhi family, has urged Rahul Gandhi to retain the Raebareli seat. Sharma, known for his crucial role in delivering a stunning defeat to Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi, believes that Rahul’s presence in Raebareli is vital for Congress’ strategic plans in Uttar Pradesh.

Priyanka Gandhi, who has already played a significant role in Uttar Pradesh, is being considered for a larger mission in the south. This strategic move involves her potentially contesting from Wayanad, the seat currently held by Rahul Gandhi.

The speculation was further fueled by Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks at a program in Raebareli, hinting at a special plan.

Senior Congress leader Devdutt Sharma from Raebareli recalls how Sonia Gandhi chose Raebareli over Bellary when she won both constituencies. Sharma believes that Rahul Gandhi following this precedent would be beneficial for the party.

Sonia Gandhi held Raebareli from 2004 to 2019, making it the sole seat retained by Congress in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 elections, when she defeated BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh by a margin of 1.67 lakh votes.

Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona acknowledges the tough decision Rahul Gandhi faces in choosing between two constituencies where he enjoys immense support.

UPCC chief Ajai Rai emphasizes that the state unit will formally request Rahul Gandhi not to relinquish Raebareli.

Although there has been no official statement from the Congress party or Priyanka Gandhi regarding her candidacy from Wayanad, political circles are rife with discussions.

The consensus seems to be leaning towards Rahul Gandhi retaining Raebareli while Priyanka Gandhi takes on Wayanad to fortify Congress' southern base.

Veteran journalist Anand Prakash Sharma asserts that based on Congress' performance in Uttar Pradesh, it is almost certain that Rahul Gandhi will remain the MP for Raebareli. Sharma argues that the party views the recent electoral success as a significant boost, essential for planning future elections.

The alliance between the Samajwadi Party and Congress further solidifies this approach. Congress aims not only to strengthen its vote bank but also to deploy key strategists at the organizational level.

Support for Rahul Gandhi to stay in Raebareli is widespread. Leaders from various districts, including Raebareli, Amethi, and Lucknow, have sent letters requesting him to continue representing Raebareli. They believe that Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Wayanad would be a strategic move, enhancing the party’s prospects both in Kerala and at the national level.

In Kerala, the momentum for Priyanka Gandhi's candidacy from Wayanad is palpable. The local populace views this as an opportunity to have a prominent Gandhi family member represent them.

Rahul Gandhi's victory margin in Raebareli was 3,90,030 votes, slightly higher than his margin of 3,64,422 votes in Wayanad. This makes the decision even more critical.

Meanwhile, K Sudhakaran, chief of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has hinted that Rahul Gandhi might vacate the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.

Sudhakaran reassured supporters, stating, "We should not be saddened as Rahul Gandhi, who is supposed to lead the nation, cannot be expected to remain in Wayanad. Therefore, we should not be sad. Everyone should understand that and give all their wishes and support to him."

Congress workers in Wayanad have displayed banners pleading with Rahul Gandhi not to leave the constituency.

These banners also request that if he decides to vacate Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should be fielded to "take care of" the people there. This indicates a growing sentiment among Wayanad's populace for continued representation by a member of the Gandhi family.

About Priyanka Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the younger daughter of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, was born on January 12, 1972.

Priyanka Gandhi did her schooling at Welham Girls' School in Dehradun till 1984. After this, both Rahul and Priyanka were moved to day schools in Delhi due to security reasons. Later she took a B.A. degree in Psychology from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. She furthered her education with an M.A. in Buddhist Studies.

According to dhamma.org, 'Vipassana' means to see things as they really are and is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was rediscovered by Buddha more than 2,500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for all ills.

Priyanka formally entered active politics in February 2019, when she was appointed General Secretary of the Indian National Congress for Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

This marked a significant step in her political journey, reflecting her influence and leadership within the party. In 2020, her role expanded as she became the General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, taking on broader responsibilities.

In recent years, federal agencies have accused her husband Robert Vadra of money laundering and tax evasion linked to controversial land purchases by his company. Vadra has denied wrongdoing.

Congress called these false allegations. The party has claimed the charges are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the Gandhi family’s reputation.

As a key campaigner for her brother, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka has played a pivotal role in rallying support and mobilizing voters. Her charismatic presence and effective communication skills have made her a popular figure among party workers and supporters.

Her work in Eastern Uttar Pradesh aimed at rejuvenating the Congress party’s grassroots connections and improving its electoral performance in a crucial region. Known for her eloquence and ability to connect with the masses, Priyanka often addresses public rallies and media, advocating for the Congress party’s vision and policies.