Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress leader and sister of Rahul Gandhi, is set to run for office for the first time. Since joining active politics in 2019, Priyanka has been seen as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was speculation that she might run against PM Modi in Varanasi or from Rae Bareli, a seat held by her mother, Sonia Gandhi. However, Congress has decided she will run from Kerala’s Wayanad, a seat her brother Rahul Gandhi has won twice.
This decision shows Congress wants to keep its power centered around the Gandhi family. With Priyanka entering electoral politics, three key Gandhi family members—Sonia Gandhi and her two children—will be leading the Congress party. Her presence in the Lok Sabha is expected to bring criticism about dynastic politics but will also make Congress’s voice stronger in Parliament.
Supporters have been waiting four years for Priyanka to run for office. In September 2020, she was made the general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Over the last four years, Priyanka has been active against the BJP government in UP and at the Centre. She has supported victims in some of the state’s worst crimes against women.
Five Key Moments in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Political Journey
- April 13, 2018: Priyanka joined a midnight protest led by Rahul Gandhi at India Gate, New Delhi, against the Kathua and Unnao rape incidents. Despite being pushed by the crowd, this was one of her first significant public protests.
- March 2019: She launched a ‘boat’ campaign on the Ganga River before the Lok Sabha elections to win over Congress voters. Her 140-kilometre boat ride from Prayagraj to Mirzapur got media attention but did not significantly improve the party’s election results.
- December 28, 2019: During nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Priyanka joined protesters in Lucknow but was stopped by the police. She managed to reach the home of activist SR Darapuri, using a scooty ride and walking, making headlines during the CAA protests.
- October 5, 2021: Priyanka was arrested and detained in a Sitapur guest house during protests against Union Minister Ajay Misra after his convoy allegedly killed eight people. The police filed an FIR against the protestors, including Priyanka.
- August 5, 2022: She was detained by Delhi Police during a sit-in protest against price rises, the GST hike on essential items, and unemployment outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi.