Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s electoral debut from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala?

Speculation surrounding Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's possible entry into electoral politics surged before the Lok Sabha elections, but she opted not to contest then. The buzz is back now.

However, on Thursday, NDTV reported, citing sources, that she may contest the by-poll for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat if Rahul Gandhi retains Raebareli and quits the former seat.

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Rahul Gandhi, who secured significant victories in the Lok Sabha elections from both the Raebareli and Wayanad constituencies, sparked further speculation about his sister's potential debut. Earlier, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have faced a larger defeat, “by two-three lakh votes,” if his sister had contested against him in Varanasi.

NDTV reported, citing sources, that in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had urged the Gandhi siblings to decide on their electoral participation, expressing his preference that both should contest. He emphasised that their absence from these strongholds would convey a negative message to party workers, Congress allies, and the INDIA bloc.

According to the NDTV, Gandhi ultimately decided against contesting. According to sources close to her, this decision was influenced by the concern that her victory in the Lok Sabha elections would result in three Gandhis simultaneously serving in Parliament—her mother, brother, and herself. This, it was felt, would validate the BJP's accusation of dynastic politics within the Congress party.

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The possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the by-polls from Wayanad hinges on Rahul Gandhi's likely decision to vacate the constituency-- which gave him a victory though he lost in Amethi in 2019-- in favour of Raebareli.

Mint could not independently verify the development.

While Rahul expressed his dilemma on Wednesday, stating that his final decision would satisfy voters of both seats, sources told NDTV that he would likely opt for Raebareli due to Uttar Pradesh's significance in national politics.

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Congress leaders, including Kishori Lal Sharma who won from Amethi, and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief K Sudhakaran, have indicated support for the move, urging Rahul Gandhi to retain Raebareli, hinting at his potential relinquishment of the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, the report noted.