After years of speculation, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has made her debut in the Lok Sabha, winning the Wayanad seat in Kerala with a massive margin of over 4.1 lakh votes. Her victory marks the start of her journey as an elected representative, joining her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi in Parliament—a rare instance of three family members serving together.
“I am not nervous at all. I am very happy to represent Wayanad,” Priyanka said after her name was announced as the Congress candidate earlier this year. “I will work hard and try my best to make everybody happy and be a good representative.”
Her victory comes at a challenging time for the Congress, which is struggling to recover from recent electoral defeats in Haryana and Maharashtra. Party workers and analysts are hopeful that Priyanka’s entry will reinvigorate the Congress and help steer it back to electoral relevance.
As the daughter of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka’s entry into politics has long been anticipated. In her younger years, she accompanied her father to Parliament and observed him as prime minister. Now, four decades later, she steps in as an MP herself.
Her journey into active politics, however, was anything but straightforward. After years of campaigning for her mother and brother, she officially joined the Congress in 2019, serving as general secretary. Her recent success in the Lok Sabha elections reflects her growing role in the party.
“She has always connected with people effortlessly, making them feel heard and valued,” said a senior Congress leader. Her speeches, often conversational, draw on personal stories, including the grief of her father’s assassination, creating a bond with her audience.
In the 2024 general elections, Priyanka campaigned extensively, holding 108 public meetings and roadshows across 16 states and a Union Territory. Her efforts paid off, as the Congress increased its tally in the Lok Sabha to 99 seats, up from 52 in 2019.
“She proved to be the talisman for the party,” said a political analyst. “Her presence gave the Congress campaign new energy.”
Known for her resemblance to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Priyanka has often drawn comparisons for her charisma and public connect.
Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into Parliament is seen as a potential turning point for the Congress. With her focus on rebuilding the party and strengthening its grassroots, many believe she could play a pivotal role in the Congress’ future.
“It’s been a long journey, but the wait was worth it,” said a party worker from Wayanad. “She is the leader we need to guide us through these challenging times.”
As she begins her term as an MP, Priyanka has pledged to honor the trust of her constituents. “I will not let them feel my brother’s absence,” she said. “Both Rahul and I will work together to serve our constituencies and the people of this country.”
