Wayanad: Senior Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday that the Wayanad constituency in Kerala will be the only region in the country with two representatives in Parliament since he would always be present as an "unofficial MP" for the people of the area.
“I am sure that the people of Wayanad will keep Priyanka Gandhi close to them. She will be the official representative of Wayanad, and I will be the unofficial representative. We will work together for the people of the Wayanad,” he said, addressing the workers after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra officially filed her nomination papers on Wednesday as the party's candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election in Wayanad.
This marks her electoral debut, and she was met with a warm welcome from thousands of supporters and United Democratic Front (UDF leaders at Kalpetta.
“Priyanka took care of her mother when our father died. She is a person who makes sacrifices for her family. She considers the people of Wayanad as family. So, I am sure she will use her entire energy into looking after the people of Wayanad,” he said.
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 23, 2024
As her brother, I ask you to support and protect her as you have done for me.
I will… pic.twitter.com/BSXIuI1el7
Showing confidence in her candidacy, Rahul said that Priyanka's method was to stand by her friends, no matter what problems they faced. “It is certain that Priyanka will be with the people of Wayanad in any problem. She should also be given the love that was given to me. I am entrusting you people of Wayanad to my sister. She should have the full support of the people of Wayanad,” he said.
“Priyanka tied the rakhi in my hand. I won't remove it until it breaks. So, my sister should be looked after by her loved ones in Wayanad like an unbreakable bond, and I promised to be with her,” he said.
During her public address, Priyanka reflected on her extensive experience in political campaigning, stating, "I have 35 years of experience, having started at the age of 17 when I campaigned for my late father, Rajiv Gandhi."
She expressed her honour in being chosen to represent the people of Wayanad and praised the community for their resilience during recent landslides.
Among others, her mother Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were present at the event.
LIVE: Priyanka Gandhi's Nomination Roadshow | Wayanad, Kerala https://t.co/tmwO2swr9f
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 23, 2024
Priyanka's husband, Robert Vadra, and their children joined her during a vibrant roadshow from the new bus stand at Kalpetts, where they engaged with the enthusiastic crowd, even lifting a young supporter into their vehicle.
Priyanka is contesting against LDF's Sathyan Mokeri and BJP's Navya Haridas. Mokeri, a former MLA, is known for addressing agricultural issues, while Haridas has served as a two-time councillor and is the state general secretary of the Mahila Morcha.
The by-election became necessary after Rahul Gandhi vacated the Wayanad seat, having also won from Rae Bareli in the last Lok Sabha polls. Voting in Wayanad is scheduled for November 13.
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