Priyanka Gandhi to Make Electoral Debut in Wayanad

New Delhi- The Election Commission announced bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala on November 13. This bypoll coincides with the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections and by-elections for 47 assembly seats across 15 states.

The Wayanad seat fell vacant after Rahul Gandhi, the incumbent Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, chose to retain his seat in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, following his victory in the 2024 general elections.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is expected to contest the Wayanad seat, marking her electoral debut. This decision was confirmed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in June. If Priyanka Gandhi wins, she will join her brother, Rahul Gandhi, and mother, Sonia Gandhi, as members of the current Parliament. Sonia Gandhi currently serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Priyanka Gandhi expressed her enthusiasm for the Wayanad constituency while emphasizing her commitment to her existing ties with Rae Bareli and Amethi, another Gandhi family bastion. "I am very happy to represent Wayanad, and I will ensure the people never feel Rahul's absence," she stated, adding, "I will work hard to make everyone happy and be a good representative."

Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence in his sister's ability to represent Wayanad, assuring the people of his continued involvement in the constituency. "Priyanka will be your representative, but I will frequently visit Wayanad," he said. "The promises we made will stand, and we are committed to fulfilling them."

The ECI also announced a byelection for the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra. The bypoll results for Wayanad and other Lok Sabha and assembly seats will be announced on November 23.