- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra celebrated a significant milestone for the Nehru-Gandhi family today as she took her oath as a member of the Lok Sabha. Dressed in an off-white saree with a golden border and holding a booklet of the Constitution—an increasingly common sight in this parliamentary session after Rahul Gandhi and other members of the INDIA bloc began bringing it—she was met with enthusiastic cheers and chants of “Bharat Jodo.”
Accompanied by her mother Sonia Gandhi, brother Rahul Gandhi, and other Congress MPs, Priyanka expressed her joy, stating, “I am very happy today.” Her victory in the Wayanad bypoll marks not only her successful electoral debut but also a notable achievement for the family, as it is the first time three members of the Nehru-Gandhi family are simultaneously serving in Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi, who previously represented Wayanad, retains his seat in Rae Bareli, while their mother Sonia is a Rajya Sabha member. The bypoll was held after Rahul vacated the Wayanad seat, and the campaign focused on whether Priyanka could surpass her brother’s impressive 2019 victory margin of 4.30 lakh votes. Although she fell slightly short, she won decisively with a margin of over 4.10 lakh votes, showcasing her growing influence within the Congress through a campaign centered on grassroots issues.
This moment marks Priyanka’s formal entry into politics, coming 20 years after she campaigned for Sonia in Rae Bareli and Rahul in Amethi during the 2004 elections. While she initially avoided direct political involvement to focus on her family, her strong connection to the Congress led her to become a key figure in the party’s campaigns.
Although she was appointed General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh in 2019, her efforts in the state did not yield significant results, and the party has struggled to maintain its presence there. Priyanka’s entry into the Lok Sabha is timely for Congress, which faces the political strength of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Her presence adds a new dimension to the party’s strategy, especially in the South. While critics may raise concerns about dynastic politics, her supporters emphasize her strong public engagement and focus on grassroots issues. Her victory in Wayanad represents more than just a win; it offers a renewed opportunity for Congress to strengthen its position in the South and elevate Priyanka’s political journey on a national level.
