Priyanka Gandhi files nomination for Wayanad LS bypoll; Rahul Gandhi says he will be “unofficial MP” in Kerala seat

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi today marked her electoral debut by filing her nomination for the upcoming Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. This is the seat vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi, current Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, who won from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the 2024 general elections.

Posting several photos on X (formerly Twitter) today, Rahul wrote about his sister: “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,” added Rahul.

Priyanka marked her nomination filing day by stating that she had 35 years of experience in the political arena, beginning from the age of 17 when she campaigned for her late father — and former Prime Minister of India — Rajiv Gandhi in 1989.

Addressing a massive gathering at Kalpetta, ahead of filing nominations for the November 13 bypoll, Priyanka said that in the 35 years since then, she had campaigned for her mother Sonia Gandhi, her brother Rahul Gandhi, and other party colleagues.

This statement came a day after Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll’s BJP candidate Navya Haridas said that she was more experienced in representing people than Congress nominee Priyanka.

Congress Parliamentary Party president Sonia Gandhi; Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi; Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge; Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other senior party leaders were present on the dais during Priyanka’s speech.

During her public address, Priyanka also said that she considered it an honour to be chosen to represent the people of Wayanad.

She said that she was deeply touched by the courage shown by the people of Wayanad after landslides hit the district in late July 2024.

Rahul Gandhi also spoke at the event, where he said that once his sister won the bypoll, the people of Wayanad would have two MPs, including himself, to represent them in Parliament.

“I will be the unofficial MP of the people of Wayanad,” said Rahul, who represented the Wayanad LS constituency from 2019 to 2024. This bypoll follows Rahul’s decision to retain his Rae Bareli LS seat.

Kharge, who also spoke at the public event today, said that Priyanka was in Wayanad not just to file her nomination, but as a relentless champion for the people of the hill district. “Bless her, and she will deliver the results,” he said.

After their public address, Priyanka left for the collectorate, where she filed her nomination papers in the presence of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Alappuzha, Kerala.

Venugopal posted on X: “A historic moment for Wayanad as @priyankagandhi ji commences her electoral journey with this nomination! Her politics is driven by warmth, compassion and an undying empathy for the people of India. Wayanad is extremely fortunate and its voice will always be heard in Parliament and across the country.”

Priyanka will be contesting against LDF’s Sathyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas. Voting in Wayanad will be held on November 13.