Synopsis
Congress General Secratery Priyanka Gandhi Vadra filed her nomination for the Wayanad bypoll today, marking her first attempt at electoral politics. The Wayanad seat was held by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka, a key Congress leader, continues the century-long political legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
AgenciesCongress General Secratery and Rahul Gandhi’s sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today filed nomination for the upcoming Waynad parliamentary seat bypoll. This marks her first time seeking support for herself, despite campaigning for 35 years. The Wayanad seat was previously held by her brother Rahul Gandhi, who retained the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh, making way for her entry into electoral politics.
Political career of Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra serves as the general secretary for the All India Congress Committee (AICC), a central decision-making body of the Indian National Congress. She comes from the influential Nehru-Gandhi family, which has been a significant force in Indian politics since before the country gained independence. She is the daughter of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, and the sister of Rahul Gandhi, a former Congress President.
In her early political career, Gandhi Vadra initially downplayed her intentions to join active politics. However, she assisted her mother Sonia in Raebareli and her brother in Amethi during election campaigns. Her political involvement grew significantly during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, where she held rallies across multiple constituencies.
Early life and education
Born on January 12, 1972, Priyanka attended Modern School in New Delhi and the Convent of Jesus and Mary. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, along with a master’s degree in Buddhist studies.
Personal life
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is married to businessman Robert Vadra, who has faced scrutiny over land deals. They have two children. The Nehru-Gandhi family has been a significant force in Indian politics, with Priyanka being the daughter of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President Sonia Gandhi, as well as the sister of former Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Her great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was India’s first Prime Minister.
Despite this powerful lineage, her upbringing was marked by tragedy. In 1984, her grandmother Indira Gandhi was assassinated, and in 1991, her father Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bombing during an election rally. After these events, Priyanka and her family retreated from public life, and she focused on her education.
After her wedding at age 25, she began to engage more in politics, helping the Congress party behind the scenes. Her resemblance to her grandmother and her emerging political skills attracted attention, although she often preferred a quieter life away from the spotlight.
Despite setbacks for the Congress party, including disappointing results in recent elections, Priyanka has maintained her position as a potential leader within the party.
