Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her election debut Wednesday, as she filed nomination for the upcoming bypoll in Wayanad, Kerala. Speaking at a rally before filing her nomination, Priyanka said that this was the first time she was campaigning for herself, even though she had been doing it for "35 years". "I was 17 when I campaigned for my father (former PM Rajiv Gandhi). Then I campaigned for my mother and brother and many of my colleagues. For 35 years, I have been campaigning in different elections, but this is the first time I am campaigning in an election and seeking your support for myself. It is a very different feeling," she said, thanking Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for the opportunity to contest. "It will be my honour to represent you if you give me a chance."
Accompanied by her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi stated that the seat was previously held by Rahul, who decided to give it up as he retained Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, which created the opportunity for her entry into electoral politics.
Priyanka also spoke about her visits to Mundakkai and Churalmala in Wayanad with Rahul Gandhi following the devastating landslides that claimed over 400 lives and displaced thousands.
"I saw the devastation with my own eyes. I saw children who lost their families. I met mothers who lost their children. I met people whose entire life was washed away. I was struck by one thing, each and every person I met was engaged in helping each other. They supported each other with courage, without greed and with compassion. To be part of your community is going to be a great privilege for me," she said.
Rahul Gandhi said that the support he had received from Wayanad was beyond words. "Wayanad will have an official MP and an unofficial MP in Lok Sabha and they will both raise your issues."
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described Priyanka as a strong leader and urged the people of Wayanad to place their trust in her.
Wayanad is one of the 48 Lok Sabha seats voting on November 13, with counting scheduled for November 23, alongside results for Assembly polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.