Synopsis
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her debut election speech in Wayanad, Kerala, seeking votes for herself for the first time in her political career. Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi supported her candidacy, emphasizing her dedication and family values. The Congress hopes Priyanka will be a strong representative for Wayanad in Parliament.
ANIKalpetta (Wayanad): Making her debut election speech as a candidate in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency of Kerala, AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said it was for the first time in her 35-year political career that she was asking votes for herself as she pledged to carry her brother Rahul Gandhi‘s legacy forward, if elected.
Priyanka, addressing a public rally at the end of a 2-km roadshow in the Kalpetta town, said she had earlier campaigned for her father, late Rajiv Gandhi, mother Sonia Gandhi and brother, but this was the first time she was doing it for herself.
The AICC leader, who filed her nomination for the seat in the presence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, said the occasion was an emotional one for her. “I will listen to your voices, raise the issues that matter to you, and work tirelessly for the progress of Wayanad. To every supporter, every UDF worker, and every family that stood by us – thank you from the depths of my heart.” The Congress and its long-time ally IUML are together called the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Rahul Gandhi, who is also the leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said sacrifice for family and friends had always been his sister’s hallmark. “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.”
He added that what he noticed about Priyanka when they were young was that she used to dote on her friends. “When my father died, my sister, who was just 17, looked after my mother. I’m confident my sister can do anything for her family. And Wayanad is a family for her.”
The former Wayanad MP added that he still has a rakhi on his hand that his sister made, and he would not take it off till it wears out. “Rakhi is the symbol of brother’s protection for his sister. That is why I request the people of Wayanad to look after my sister and protect her. She will put her entire energy into looking after the people and the problems of Wayanad.”
Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi along with other Congress leaders paid tributes to those who lost their lives in the recent landslides caused by flash floods in parts of Wayanad.
Kharge said as he stood in Wayanad, he was reminded of the recent tragedy. “Today we come together with renewed hope and strength, determined to move forward in unity,” he said.
The AICC president said the party decided to field Priyanka bowing to the wishes and demands of people of Wayanad when the Congress was looking for a choice when Rahul Gandhi chose to retain the Raebareli seat. “She will fight for your cause. Your voice will be powerful and formidable in the Parliament, as she’s a fearless lady. Now that Priyankaji has embarked on this journey, it’s the responsibility of the people of Wayanad to ensure her victory with the highest margin.”
Thousands of people braved the scorching heat and participated in Priyanka’s roadshow, holding placards and shouting slogans in her support.
