Tue Nov 12 14:01:52 UTC 2024: ## Priyanka Gandhi Makes Electoral Debut in Wayanad Bypoll Amid Tight Security

**KALPETTA, INDIA – November 12, 2024** – The Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency is set to witness a high-stakes byelection on Wednesday, with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra making her electoral debut. The seat was vacated by her brother, Rahul Gandhi, who retained his Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh.

Ms. Vadra, currently staying at a private resort in Manjoora, took a casual drive to the Banasurasagar Dam on Tuesday. She also made a brief visit to a farmer’s house in Manjoora, near Padinharethara.

The bypoll features a total of 16 candidates, including Ms. Vadra, Left Democratic Front’s Sathyan Mokeri, and National Democratic Alliance’s Navya Haridas. Mr. Mokeri and Ms. Haridas were engaged in a silent campaign across the constituency on Tuesday.

The Congress is hoping to secure a larger margin by fielding Ms. Vadra, while the LDF and NDA are vying to capture the hill constituency. The Congress is relying on Mr. Gandhi’s popularity among local voters to retain the seat. Conversely, the LDF and BJP have accused Mr. Gandhi of neglecting the constituency after his 2019 victory.

The constituency has an electorate of 1,471,742, including 2,004 service voters and 7,519 individuals who opted for home voting. 1,354 polling stations, including 30 auxiliary booths, will be operational across the constituency. Two polling booths are designated as high security, with special attention given to 11 locations featuring webcasting facilities. Three polling booths have been set up for survivors of the July 30 Chooralmala landslides.

Security measures are in place, including the deployment of inter-State and inter-district security forces. Security checks are being conducted on both State and district borders, and a strong room has been established to safeguard election materials. An additional police presence of 2,700 personnel will bolster security throughout the district.

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