Sat Nov 23 16:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Priyanka Gandhi Triumphs in Wayanad By-Poll as Congress Suffers Major Setback in Maharashtra

**NEW DELHI, November 23, 2024** – Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured a resounding victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election, significantly surpassing her brother Rahul Gandhi’s previous margin. However, this lone bright spot was overshadowed by a devastating performance for the Congress party in Maharashtra’s state assembly elections.

In Wayanad, Gandhi Vadra secured over 6.12 lakh votes, beating her nearest rival by over 4.1 lakh votes, a margin exceeding her brother’s 2024 result. Despite this impressive win, lower voter turnout compared to the previous Lok Sabha election resulted in a lower overall vote count than her brother received.

The Congress’s celebration in Wayanad was starkly contrasted by its dismal showing in Maharashtra. The party is projected to win a mere 15 out of 101 contested seats, a significant drop from its 2019 tally of 44 and far below expectations following its Lok Sabha performance. Key leaders, including state president Nana F. Patole and veteran Prithviraj Chavan, suffered defeat. AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala expressed shock at the results, questioning the impact of government initiatives.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) performed marginally better, leading in 20 seats, while Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction experienced a similarly poor showing, leading in only 12 seats. The BJP is poised for a sweeping victory in Maharashtra. The Congress attributed its Maharashtra loss to several factors, including the decline in its support base.

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