Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took oath as a Member of Parliament (MP) on Thursday, following her resounding victory in Kerala’s Wayanad bypoll. At 52 years old, Priyanka joins her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi as an MP, marking a rare occasion when three members of a family are simultaneously present in Parliament. Priyanka affirmed her position in Hindi while holding a copy of the Constitution, shortly after the House convened.
Ravindra Chavan also Sworn in as MP
Ravindra Chavan, the Congress candidate who won the Nanded bypoll, also took his oath in Marathi, invoking the name of God. His victory came after the sad demise of his father, Vasantrao Chavan, which necessitated the bypoll.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Entry into Parliament
Priyanka Gandhi made her formal entry into active politics in 2019, when she was appointed Congress General Secretary. With her overwhelming win in the Wayanad by-election, where she secured more than 4.1 lakh votes, Priyanka has now taken her place as an elected representative, surpassing the tally of her brother Rahul Gandhi in the same constituency.
A Challenging Time for Congress
Priyanka’s entry into Parliament comes at a challenging time for the Congress Party, which has faced recent setbacks in Haryana and Maharashtra. Her leadership and influence could be pivotal in rejuvenating the party and steering it back onto a stronger electoral footing.
Public Perception and Political Legacy
Often compared to her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, for her striking resemblance and similar speaking style, Priyanka Gandhi has emerged as a prominent campaigner for the Congress party. Before entering active politics, she had already been involved in campaigning for her family members, including her mother Sonia and brother Rahul.
Victory and Best Wishes from Wayanad
On Wednesday, Congress leaders from Wayanad formally handed Priyanka Gandhi her election certificate, expressing their best wishes for her future as the elected MP. Priyanka’s victory in the Wayanad bypoll on Saturday, with a margin of over four lakh votes, has reaffirmed her political presence, as she defeated Sathyan Mokeri of the CPI(M)-led LDF.
