Priyanka Gandhi Secures Resounding Victory in Wayanad By-election with Record Margin Of Over 4.1 Lakh Votes

Wayanad, Kerala, November 23: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi marked a significant milestone in her political career, clinching her first electoral victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency by an impressive margin of over 4.1 lakh votes. This triumph came in the by-election necessitated by her brother, Rahul Gandhi, vacating the seat after securing it in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Priyanka’s victory over Sathyan Mokeri of the CPI(M)-led LDF coalition demonstrates the Congress party’s stronghold in the region. She garnered 6,22,338 votes, surpassing her opponent’s 2,11,407 votes. The BJP-led NDA candidate, Navya Haridas, trailed in third place with 1,09,939 votes. Despite a lower voter turnout compared to the general election—65% in November’s by-election compared to 74% in April—Priyanka managed to widen the victory margin, exceeding Rahul Gandhi’s 2024 lead of 3.64 lakh votes.

In her post-victory statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Priyanka expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Wayanad, calling the win a shared triumph with her constituents. “To my dearest sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. This victory is yours, and I promise to represent your hopes and dreams as one of your own,” she stated.

Priyanka also thanked the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance, Congress leaders, workers, and volunteers who contributed to her campaign. She lauded their resilience, recalling long days of relentless campaigning, often involving 12-hour car journeys with little rest or food.

Acknowledging her family’s unwavering support, Priyanka extended a heartfelt thanks to her mother Sonia Gandhi, her husband Robert Vadra, and her children Raihan and Miraya. She reserved special praise for Rahul Gandhi, whom she called “the bravest of them all,” for inspiring her and standing by her side throughout her political journey.

This victory, achieved in a constituency with over 14 lakh registered voters, solidifies the Congress party’s standing in Kerala. Political analysts view Priyanka’s win as a testament to her growing appeal and the enduring trust of the Wayanad electorate in the Gandhi family’s leadership.

Priyanka’s success not only underscores her potential as a national leader but also serves as a morale booster for the Congress party as it prepares for the upcoming general elections.