Sun Nov 24 11:04:01 UTC 2024: **Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wins Wayanad Bypoll in Landslide Victory**
WAYANAD, KERALA – Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has secured a resounding victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election, exceeding her brother Rahul Gandhi’s previous margin of victory. Early results showed a significant lead for Vadra, surpassing the 3.5 lakh vote margin achieved by Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 general elections. By midday, her lead had exceeded 4 lakh votes.
The by-election, necessitated by Rahul Gandhi’s resignation to retain his Rae Bareli seat, saw a low voter turnout of 64.72 percent. Vadra, making her electoral debut, campaigned on the legacy of her brother, emphasizing the strong bond between the Gandhi family and the people of Wayanad. She highlighted the need for continued support for the region, particularly in the aftermath of devastating landslides in July which damaged over 600 buildings. Vadra criticized the government’s slow response to the disaster, noting that crucial recovery funds remained unreleased.
Her main opponents were CPI veteran Sathyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas, who trailed significantly behind. The Congress party celebrated Vadra’s win as a testament to the continued trust and affection the people of Wayanad hold for the Gandhi family. The constituency comprises seven assembly segments across three districts.
First Piper 