Lok Sabha bypolls: Priyanka Gandhi files nomination from Wayanad

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls, marking her electoral debut.

The 52-year old Nehru-Gandhi scion was accompanied by her family members and Congress top leaders during the nomination filing on Wednesday.

After a road show that witnessed a huge participation of jubilant party workers and supporters in Kalpetta town, Priyanka said at a public meeting that she would be honoured and privileged if the people of Wayanad gave her a chance to represent them.

"When I visited the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas recently, I saw people coming from various sections of the society helping each other. Your spirit of bravery touched me. I want to be part of your community. It will be a big honour and privilege for me if you give me a chance to represent you. As I used to be with my family whenever they needed me, I will be with you too as you are my family," she said.

Former Wayanad MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the people of Wayanad to elect his sister. Rahul added that he would also continue to get involved in the issues of Wayanad and hence, the people of Wayanad will have two representatives in the parliament.

Priyanka filed her nomination before Wayanad District Collector and Electoral Officer Meghashree D R. She filed three sets of nominations. She was accompanied by Congress leader and her mother Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra and son Raihan Vadra.

From morning onwards, hundreds of thousands of workers belonging to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) reached Wayanad to greet Priyanka and be part of the historic event. Many supporters termed her the future Prime Minister of India, while many hailed her as "junior Indira Gandhi".

Priyanka Gandhi along with Mallikarjun Kharge (Left) and Rahul Gandhi (Right) during her nomination filing in Wayanad.

Many wore dresses with Priyanka's pictures embossed, while placards and posters with Priyanka's pictures and the catch word 'Wayanadinte Priyankari' (Malayalam term meaning Wayanad's dearest) could be seen everywhere.

In 2019 and 2024, when Rahul filed his nomination at Wayanad, Priyanka was the one to accompany him at the road shows, which also witnessed huge crowds.

Top leaders of the Congress including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Kerala PCC president K Sudhakaran and Kerala leader of opposition V D Satheesan were also present on the occasion.

After filing nomination, Priyanka visited the mass burial ground of the landslide victims at Putthumala near Meppadi and offered floral tributes and prayers.

Delay in proper rehabilitation and relief of the landslide victims will be a key issue during this bypoll campaign.