Priyanka Gandhi to Contest from Wayanad: Tracing Deep Roots in Southern India

GG News Bureau
Wayanad, 18th June. The announcement by the Congress party regarding the Rae Bareli and Wayanad constituencies has ignited celebrations among Congress workers from Rae Bareli to Wayanad, with fireworks lighting up the night sky.The Congress has made a significant decision: Rahul Gandhi will step down from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat but remain the MP for Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. In his place, Priyanka Gandhi will contest from Wayanad. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the Gandhi family’s historical connection to Rae Bareli, ensuring Rahul remains its MP while Priyanka steps in to represent Wayanad.

Historical Ties with Southern India

The Gandhi family’s history with southern India dates back to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1978, Indira made a political comeback by winning a by-election from Chikmagalur in Karnataka, after facing challenges in her traditional Rae Bareli constituency. Indira’s win in Chikmagalur, where she campaigned tirelessly, secured her political resurgence.

Following in her footsteps, Sonia Gandhi contested and won from Bellary, Karnataka, in 1999. Rahul Gandhi continued this legacy by representing Wayanad in Kerala in the 2019 and 2024 elections. Now, Priyanka Gandhi is set to make her electoral debut from Wayanad. This decision aims to strengthen the party’s presence both in northern and southern India.

Political Implications

This shift allows Rahul Gandhi to focus on Rae Bareli, a traditional seat for the Gandhi family, having been represented by his grandfather Feroze Gandhi, grandmother Indira Gandhi, and mother Sonia Gandhi. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai expressed confidence that Rahul’s continued representation of Rae Bareli will fortify the party’s position in the state, setting the stage for a strong performance in the 2027 Assembly elections and beyond.

BJP’s Reaction

The BJP has criticized this move, accusing the Congress of promoting dynastic politics. Former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma suggested that the Congress fears Rahul’s inability to secure a win if he vacates Rae Bareli. BJP leader Ajay Alok accused Rahul of fleeing from Wayanad. Despite these criticisms, the Congress remains focused on its strategic goals.

Future Prospects

Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into parliamentary politics from Wayanad is seen as a strategic effort to balance the party’s influence across India. If successful, both siblings will jointly challenge the BJP in Parliament. Priyanka, actively involved in politics but contesting for the first time, has previously supported her mother and brother in their electoral campaigns.

Left’s Stance

Annie Raja of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), who contested against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad, acknowledged that selecting Priyanka as the candidate is an internal decision of the Congress. The LDF will decide on its candidate to contest against Priyanka in due course.

As Priyanka Gandhi gears up for her electoral debut from Wayanad, the Congress party hopes to leverage the historical connections and strategic significance of this decision to strengthen its foothold both in the north and south of India.