Sat Nov 23 13:22:51 UTC 2024: ## Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wins Wayanad Bypoll in Landslide Victory

**Kozhikode, Kerala –** Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured a resounding victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, defeating CPI(M) candidate Sathyan Mokeri by a margin of over 410,000 votes. The win marks her maiden electoral triumph and cements the Congress’s hold on the traditionally Congress-stronghold constituency.

Gandhi secured over 617,942 votes, significantly surpassing her brother Rahul Gandhi’s 2024 victory margin of over 360,000 votes. BJP candidate Navya Haridas finished a distant third with 109,202 votes. Voter turnout was recorded at 64.72%, a significant drop from previous elections.

The bypoll, which gained national attention due to Gandhi’s electoral debut, saw accusations from opposition parties. Mokeri criticized the Congress for neglecting Wayanad’s concerns and focusing on the Gandhi family lineage. Haridas accused Rahul Gandhi of betraying the people of Wayanad.

Gandhi campaigned on promises to address farmers’ issues and boost tourism in the hill district. Following her victory, she expressed gratitude to the people of Wayanad and thanked her brother for his support. Her husband, Robert Vadra, also expressed thanks and highlighted her dedication.

The result is seen as a boost for the Congress-led UDF and a setback for the BJP-led NDA. Congress leaders celebrated the win, with KC Venugopal highlighting the BJP government’s perceived failings in providing relief following devastating landslides in the region. The low voter turnout, however, sparked debate, with some attributing it to discontent among the population and the impact of the Waqf land dispute. Despite the victory, the low turnout raised questions about the Congress’s long-term prospects in the region.

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