Congress General Secretary Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Files Nomination for Wayanad Parliamentary Bye-Election

Image Source : @INCIndia on X

Dated 23rd October 2024

News By B R Abdul Wajid

Chief Political Editor

Kalpetta, Wayanad : Congress General Secretary Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has officially filed her nomination for the Wayanad Parliamentary bye-election. The nomination event in Kalpetta saw the presence of prominent Congress leaders including Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi.

Before the nomination, a large crowd gathered to welcome Priyanka Gandhi, showing immense support and affection. The people of Wayanad showered her with love and blessings, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The support from the local community is expected to propel her forward in this new journey.

In a vibrant display of solidarity, Shri Rahul Gandhi and Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led an engaging roadshow ahead of the nomination filing. The roadshow was marked by enthusiasm and high spirits from the attendees.

Image Source : @INCIndia on X

Image Source : @INCIndia on X

In a heartfelt post on X, Rahul Gandhi praised his sister, stating, “Priyanka has always been someone who would sacrifice anything for her family and friends, and this quality will make her an exceptional MP for Wayanad. To her, the people of Wayanad are family. As her brother, I ask you to support and protect her as you have done for me. I will always stand by Wayanad as your unofficial MP.”

In another post on X, accompanied by a picture, Rahul Gandhi expressed his gratitude and respect for the people of Wayanad. He wrote, “Amidst all the love and warmth Wayanad is showing Priyanka and me, we take a moment to pay tribute to the lives we lost during the tragic landslides. You will forever remain in our hearts, and your families are part of our own.”

Image Source : @RahulGandhi on X

Today, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, and Congress General Secretary Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a massive gathering of enthusiastic supporters in Kalpetta. The event also saw the presence of Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and other prominent party leaders.

Image Source : @kharge on X

In their speeches, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Wayanad that a fearless and compassionate leader like Priyanka Gandhi will give her best in serving them. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Wayanad for their trust, love and support towards the Congress party.

Image Source : @kharge on X

While addressing the gathering, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The bond between the people of Wayanad and the Indian National Congress is one of deep affection, trust and shared ideas. Priyanka Gandhi, with her compassionate heart, fierce determination and longstanding commitment to justice, equality and fraternity, will be a relentless champion for Wayanad and its people. She will tirelessly fight for your cause.”

Kharge also touched upon the recent tragedy of the devastating landslides in Wayanad. He said, “As I stand in this beautiful land of Wayanad, I’m reminded of the recent tragedy of the devastating landslides, which deeply shocked every heart across the country. My deepest condolences go to the souls who lost their lives. It’s heartening that despite the challenges, the spirit of the people of Wayanad remains unshaken.”

Rahul Gandhi recounted the decision to make Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the candidate for Wayanad. Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Today we come together with renewed hope and strength, determined to move forward in unity. I clearly recall Rahul Gandhi retaining Raebareli. He was thinking about what was to be done. Ultimately, the growing demand and love from Wayanad’s people led to the decision to make Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the candidate for Wayanad. Following the sincere requests from Wayanad, Priyanka ji accepted your demand. She will fight for your cause. Your voice will be powerful and formidable in the Parliament, as she’s a fearless lady.” Kharge said while addressing the gathering.

Priyanka Gandhi Pledges to Serve Wayanad with Compassion and Unity

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Congress General Secretary Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a large gathering in Wayanad, marking a significant moment in her political journey. She reflected on her extensive campaigning experience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to run as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for Wayanad.

“When I was 17 years old, I campaigned for the first time for my father in 1989. It’s now been 35 years, and I have campaigned for my mother, my brother, and many of my colleagues in different elections. But this is the first time I’m campaigning for myself. I’m deeply grateful to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji for giving me this privilege to be the UDF candidate and to my family for supporting me to be a candidate for Wayanad. It’s my honour to represent you if you give me a chance,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

She recounted her visit to Chooralmala and Mundakkai with her brother, Rahul Gandhi, where they witnessed the devastating effects of landslides. “A few months ago, I visited Chooralmala and Mundakkai with my brother. I saw the devastation with my own eyes; I saw children who have lost their whole families; I met mothers who have lost their children; I met people whose entire lives have been washed away by the landslide. One thing that I noticed: each and every person I met, whether it was a doctor, a teacher, a housewife, or anybody else was engaged in helping each other. They were supporting each other with courage without any greed, completely compassionately with love and affection. To be a part of your community and to become a part of your family is going to be a big honour and privilege for me,” she said.

Addressing the core values of the nation, Priyanka Gandhi stated, “Those who are in power used hatred and created separation just to stay in power. This is not the politics on which our nation was founded. Our freedom movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi ji, was inspired by equality and respect towards every religion. The teachings of the Buddha, who showed us the path of Ahimsa, together form the foundational values of our nationhood. These are the values we are fighting for today—for truth, for justice, for equality. These values moved my brother to walk across India for love and unity.”

Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering, underscoring the unique bond he shares with Wayanad. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “What Wayanad has done for me cannot be expressed in words; the only way to express it is through actions.” Gandhi highlighted that Wayanad stands out as the only constituency in India to have two MPs—one official and the other unofficial—pledging that both will work together for the best interests of Wayanad.

The event was a demonstration of the Congress party’s commitment to the people of Wayanad and their dedication to fostering unity, compassion and effective representation in Parliament.

The gathering in Kalpetta was a show of unity and strength, with Congress leaders and supporters coming together to rally behind Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in her new journey as a candidate for the Wayanad Parliamentary bye-election.