Hours after the Election Commission of India announced the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election for November 13, Congress workers in the district sprang into action, enthusiastically promoting their candidate, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi. With the Congress having officially declared Priyanka as their nominee, her supporters began installing posters and painting slogans across Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, the three districts that make up the constituency.
Congress party workers greeted Priyanka with the slogan “Wayanadinte Priyankari” (Wayanad’s beloved), expressing their optimism for the upcoming election. Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy comes after her brother, Rahul Gandhi, vacated the Wayanad seat in favor of contesting in Raebareli, a move that initially sparked concern among local Congress supporters.
In 2019, Rahul Gandhi won the Wayanad seat with a massive margin of 4.6 lakh votes, but during the 2024 general election, his margin dropped to 3.64 lakh, in part due to the increased vote share of the BJP candidate, K. Surendran, who doubled his party’s vote count.
Despite Rahul’s departure, Congress remains confident of victory with Priyanka Gandhi at the helm. Rahul had assured his supporters in Wayanad that he wouldn’t leave them without a proper successor, and his decision to back Priyanka has been met with joy in the district.
Priyanka Gandhi’s growing popularity in the region was evident during her visit with Rahul earlier this year, following devastating floods that struck Wayanad. Their presence brought out large crowds, highlighting the deep connection the Gandhi family has with the local electorate.
While the Congress is optimistic about Priyanka’s chances, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is preparing to announce its candidate, likely from its second-largest ally, the CPI, which fielded Annie Raja in the previous election. The BJP has also vowed to put up a strong fight, with state party president K. Surendran expressing confidence despite Priyanka’s candidacy.
With campaign efforts underway, all eyes are now on Priyanka Gandhi’s upcoming arrival in Wayanad, a region where the Gandhi family’s legacy has long resonated with voters.
