Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra entered the political fray as a Member of Parliament on Thursday, November 28. Her oath-taking in Lok Sabha was held simultaneously with that of fellow Congress leader Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan, who also emerged victorious in a recent bypoll. Priyanka’s victory has marked the Nehru-Gandhi family’s political legacy to have three active members in Parliament now: Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka herself.
Priyanka secured a landslide victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls, winning by a margin of 4,10,931 votes. This marks her official electoral debut and adds another significant chapter to the Congress stronghold in Wayanad.
#WATCH | Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes oath as Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha
(Video source: Sansad TV/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/eaLJzpTY2y
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024
The bypoll was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi, who had won from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the 2024 general elections, chose to retain Rae Bareli. Wayanad, known as a Congress bastion, saw Priyanka Gandhi emerge victorious against BJP’s Navya Haridas and CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri.
Contesting as a United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, Priyanka garnered 6,22,338 votes in Wayanad. Though her total votes were slightly lower than Rahul’s 6,47,445 in April, her victory margin of 4,10,931 votes exceeded his earlier lead of 3,64,422.
With Priyanka’s entry, all three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family are now part of India’s legislative system. While Sonia Gandhi serves as a Rajya Sabha member representing Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi holds the role of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Priyanka’s maiden victory reflects her growing influence in Congress and sets the stage for her active participation in national politics.
In another Congress win, Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan claimed victory in the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll, securing 5,86,788 votes. This election was held following the death of sitting MP Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan.
Priyanka Gandhi’s successful debut underscores Congress’s continued relevance in key constituencies and highlights her role as a pivotal player in the party’s future strategies.
