Priyanka’s debut

PRIYANKA Gandhi Vadra’s candidacy from Wayanad marks a significant development for the Congress party. Entering the electoral fray five years after her active political engagement began, Priyanka’s nomination to contest the bypoll on November 13 is a step toward consolidating the Gandhi family’s influence within Parliament.

Priyanka’s journey in the Congress has evolved from behind-the-scenes support to frontline leadership, showcasing her strategic acumen and ability to connect with the masses. She initially focused on strengthening the party’s organisational base, especially in regions where it had weakened, such as Uttar Pradesh. Her successful campaigns in Himachal Pradesh and role in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress improved its seat tally, have cemented her reputation as a key figure. Her Wayanad campaign leverages this approach, focusing on regional issues while presenting her as a familiar Gandhi figure. Posters declaring her as “Wayanadinte Priyankari” (Wayanad's beloved) reflect growing local support. She has promised to continue Rahul’s work in the constituency. Though the Congress adopted a “one-family-one-ticket” rule at its Udaipur Chintan Shivir in 2022, Priyanka’s candidacy underscores the rule’s flexibility for seasoned family members who meet the five-year party commitment criterion. This exception, also applied to Rahul, reflects the Congress’s continued reliance on the Gandhis’ influence.

The bypoll is significant beyond Wayanad as it tests the Congress’s new direction with Priyanka at the helm. If she wins, her role could shift from family figure to influential political leader, strengthening the Congress’s position to contest BJP policies. Her opponents in Wayanad include the BJP, which is aiming to expand its base in Kerala, and the CPI(M), which has a deep-rooted base in the Left-leaning state. Priyanka is poised to navigate these ideological challenges in her bid to redefine her role in politics and come out of the coat-tails of Rahul and Sonia.