“Campaigned for others for 35 years, this is first time for myself…” Priyanka Gandhi files nomination for By-election, vows to strengthen ties between Wayanad & Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday filed a nomination for Wayanad by-election, her first as she makes a foray into electoral politics. The event was marked by a road show attended by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during her speech recalled her life in politics and the journey so far.

“I was 17 years old when I had campaigned for my father in the 1989 General elections. It has been 35 years since then that I have been campaigning for many many leaders including my brother and my mother. This is the first time that I am campaigning for myself. And it is a very different feeling. It is an honor for me to represent you, if you give me a chance“, Gandhi Vadra said and also thanked Mallikarjun Kharge for the opportunity.

Wayanad goes to polling on November 13. The seat was vacated by Rahul Gandhi after he decided to retain Raibareli following his victory in both seats. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra vowed to strengthen the bond between her brothers and the people of Wayanad. “My sisters and brothers, you stood by my brother when the whole world was turning its back on him. You gave him your strength and gave him the courage to keep fighting. My whole family will always remain indebted to you for that. I know he was sad to leave you and I had promised only to strengthen the bond between him and you all”, she added.

The nomination filing process was also attended by Telangana Congress Chief Minister Revant reddy amongst others. Rahul Gandhi reiterated his confidence on his sister, calling her the “the right person” to be the representative of Wayanad in the Lok Sabha. Slamming the Central government as divisive, Gandhi Vadra emphasized on her fight against subversion of democracy. “We live in a time when those who are in power are trying to inject hatred and separate people who had sent them to power so that they can stay in power. We live in times when those who are in power are trying to subvert democracy. They do not hesitate to adopt any criminal means to remain in power. This is not the politics on which our nation was founded” she said and also added “This is a new journey for me and you are my guide and my teacher” while seeking the support of the Wayanad voters.