In a rally ahead of the Wayanad bypoll, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi issued a challenge to his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, urging her to transform Wayanad into a premier tourist destination. Speaking at Sultan Bathery, Rahul Gandhi campaigned for Priyanka, the Congress candidate, who is making her electoral debut in this key election.
Rahul Gandhi’s Emotional Appeal to Wayanad Voters
Rahul Gandhi, who previously represented Wayanad in the Lok Sabha, addressed the gathering with an emotional appeal, emphasizing his deep connection with the constituency. Although he retained the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh after the general election, he vacated the Wayanad seat, necessitating the November 13 bypoll. The contest pits Priyanka Gandhi against the Left front’s Sathyan Mokeri and the BJP’s Navya Haridas.
In a public meeting, Rahul Gandhi said, “Priyanka Gandhi ji is the MP candidate. She is also my little sister, so I have the right to complain about her to the people of Wayanad. Wayanad owns a huge place in my heart that is beyond politics. I’m here to help everyone at any time. If I can show its beauty to the rest of the world, I will happily do it.”
Rahul Gandhi’s challenge to Priyanka was clear: make Wayanad the top tourist destination in Kerala. He urged his sister to boost the local economy by enhancing tourism, which would showcase Wayanad’s natural beauty on a global stage.
He stated, “I challenge my sister to make Wayanad the best tourist destination. When people think of Kerala, the first destination should be Wayanad. This will benefit the people of Wayanad and boost its economy, allowing the world to see its beauty.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Wayanad’s MP, Rahul Gandhi expressed gratitude to the people for teaching him the importance of love in politics. He remarked, “The people of Wayanad taught me that love has an important place in politics. I did not use that word, but they showed me its value. Love and affection are the only weapons that can combat hatred and anger.”
A High-Stakes Contest for Congress
Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy marks a significant moment for the Congress as she steps into a direct electoral contest for the first time. The bypoll is being closely watched, with the constituency previously held by Rahul Gandhi, adding pressure for a strong performance by the Congress. The entry of Priyanka into the electoral arena has already sparked excitement among party supporters and is seen as a strategic move to bolster Congress’s standing in Kerala.
With the bypoll just days away, Rahul Gandhi’s challenge to Priyanka and his emotional appeal to the voters of Wayanad set the stage for a spirited campaign, highlighting the party’s efforts to connect deeply with the local populace while projecting a positive vision for the future of the constituency.