Thu Nov 14 08:44:11 UTC 2024: ## Congress Uncertain of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Victory Margin in Wayanad Bypoll
**Kochi, November 14, 2024:** The Congress party is cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, despite a significant drop in voter turnout. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is contesting the seat vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi, is expected to win, but her victory margin may fall short of the party’s initial target of over 5 lakh votes.
Voter turnout for the bypoll, held on Wednesday, was recorded at 64.72%, a 9.15% decrease from the 2019 election. This is the lowest turnout in the constituency since its formation in 2009. While Congress leaders are confident of Ms. Vadra’s victory, they are now predicting a smaller margin of around 4 lakh votes.
The low turnout is being attributed to several factors, including the recent Meppadi landslides, voter apathy due to the absence of broader parliamentary implications, and questions about Rahul Gandhi’s performance in the constituency.
Despite the reduced victory margin, Ms. Vadra’s campaign has drawn parallels to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who enjoyed a deep emotional connection with the Kerala population.
However, some within the Congress party believe that Ms. Vadra’s entry into the electoral arena was ill-advised, as it provides the ruling BJP with ammunition to criticize the party’s dynastic politics. The bypoll also raises concerns about the potential emergence of dual power centers within the Congress, given the political aspirations of her husband, Robert Vadra.
The focus now shifts to the Palakkad Assembly bypoll, scheduled for November 20, where a three-cornered fight is expected. Political parties are concerned about a potential decline in voter engagement, following the trend observed in the Chelakkara Assembly bypoll.
The outcome of both bypolls will provide valuable insights into the political landscape of Kerala and the national scenario ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
First Piper 