Amidst a flurry of speculation and anticipation, the Congress party has made a strategic and significant move by fielding Priyanka Gandhi in the byelection in Wayanad, Kerala. This seat became available after her brother Rahul Gandhi decided to retain Rae Bareily and step down from Wayanad, after winning both seats. If she succeds, it could be a game-changer for Priyanka, her party and Indian politics. It has sparked excitement and scepticism among the public and political class.

“I am glad to represent Wayanad and will ensure the people don’t feel Rahul Gandhi’s absence,” she said when her candidacy was announced. “I chose to run in Wayanad to continue my family’s political legacy and the Gandhis’ presence in the South. My grandmother, Indira Gandhi, had a strong connection with the people of Wayanad, and I hope to build on that.” Rahul and his mother, Sonia, have led the Congress party for many years and served as MPs. The upcoming Wayanad elections will be a critical test for Priyanka, as this will be her first litmus test. The entire nation, including the BJP, will closely observe her performance. Born into a political family, Priyanka has actively participated in her mother’s election campaigns.

She also campaigned for her brother when he entered politics in 2004. In 2014 and 2019, there were rumours that Priyanka might contest against Prime Minister Modi from Varanasi. Before the 2024 elections, she stated that the party aimed to avoid fielding three Gandhis to counter the BJP’s criticism of dynastic rule. The Gandhis changed their mind, seeing the 2024 polls as an excellent opportunity for the Congress. They decided it was the perfect time to introduce Priyanka to electoral politics as an MP from Kerala. Wayanad is considered a safe seat for the party.

Priyanka, who bears some resemblance to her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, has been in the spotlight since entering politics in 2019. She became the general secretary of the Congress and played a vital role in the party’s campaign. Priyanka is given some credit for nearly doubling the Congress’s tally in the 2024 election and rejuvenating the party. In Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka had struggled to make an impact. She wasn’t held accountable when Congress performed poorly in the 2022 assembly polls under her watch. She had messed up Punjab during the Assembly polls. However, her extensive campaigning in Himachal Pradesh was said to be responsible for the success of the Congress in the state. In 2024, Priyanka decided not to run for a Lok Sabha seat, focusing on nationwide party campaigning. She held 108 public meetings, participated in roadshows, and campaigned in 16 states and one union territory.

The decision to contest from Wayanad presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for Priyanka. On the one hand, she faces attacks from the BJP on the issue of dynastic politics, a hurdle she must navigate with tact and resilience. On the other hand, it gives her a golden opportunity to prove herself and connect with a new constituency, a chance she must seize with determination. The Wayanad constituency, located in north Kerala, has a voter base of 1.46 million. It has consistently elected Congress MPs in the past four elections, indicating solid support for the party.

The constituency also enjoys broad support for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), with Muslims and Christians comprising about 60 per cent of the voters. IUML will back Priyanka. If Priyanka wins, all three members of the Gandhi family will be in Parliament. This could strengthen the family’s position within the party but will also invite attacks from opponents. Overall, Priyanka’s candidacy in Kerala is a strategic move by the Congress to strengthen its support base in the South, potentially reshaping its regional dynamics. The party acknowledges the importance of the South and aims to strengthen its presence there. Thus, Rahul will focus on the North, while Priyanka may concentrate on the South. Her win could bolster the party’s position in the region.

There is more to it, as Priyanka’s husband, Robert Vadra, also wants to join politics. He said Priyanka should be in Parliament before him, and he could follow her at a suitable time. The CPI plans to contest to ensure non-Congress votes do not go to the BJP. Overall, the move shields the Congress from criticism for neglecting the South. Priyanka’s candidacy from Wayanad is part of the party’s mission to leverage antiincumbency in Kerala for the 2026 assembly polls. Priyanka has advantages – she is well-known and has a strong command over Hindi. However, her husband is seen as a liability due to his legal issues. If elected to Parliament, Priyanka should strive to become a good parliamentarian. The two Gandhi siblings must strengthen the organization and return the party to its former glory.