'First time, I'm campaigning for myself': Priyanka Gandhi makes debut with Wayanad LS bypoll

NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday signed nominations papers for the upcoming Lok Sabha bypoll in Wayanad , marking her plunge into electoral politics. The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat became vacant after Rahul Gandhi , who won the Lok Sabha polls from there and Raebareli constituency, decided to retain the latter.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Telangana chief minister K Revanth Reddy, former Chhattisgarh chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal and other leaders of the party were also present.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was given a rousing welcome by supporters during the roadshow, subsequently addressed a rally in which she said she was honored to represent the constituency after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat.

She also recalled taking part in political campaigns in 1989 at the age of 17 years when she canvassed votes for her late father Rajiv Gandhi. She said that she has campaigned for 35 years, including for father, brother and party colleagues. Further, the Congress leader said that she was deeply touched by the courage shown by people of Wayanad at the time of landslides that hit the district.

Without naming anyone, Priyanka Gandhi said, "We live in a very strange time, the people who are in power are spreading hatred solely to stay in power, they do not hesitate subvert democracy, use any criminal means to remain in power. This is not politics for which the nation was founded. Our freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi was inspired by every single religion."

Priyanka Gandhi also touched upon Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and credited the people for supporting him through the 8000km journey. "You stood with my brother when the whole world was turning its back against him.. You gave him your strength and courage to keep fighting."

The Congress general secretary also pledged to take it forward from where Rahul Gandhi had left off. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has explained to me the large issues you are facing... My brother has explained to me the struggles you face. I want to come to your house and understand straight from you what your issues are and how we can tackle them..."

Further, the Congress leader invoked Gita, Quaran and Jesus Christ to make a point about non-violence and love. "The Gita's teachings, or Satyamev Jayate, holy Quran's teachings, is that we must seek justice, Jesus Christ's teachings speak humility, it says whatever we do, if there is no love in our heart, there is no meaning. Buddha taught us non-violence, these all are foundational values of our nation. We are fighting for these values today, for truth, justice, and inequality," she said.