NEW DELHI: Robert Vadra expressed support for his wife Priyanka Gandhi who will be contesting from the Wayanad constituency and said that he actively encouraged Priyanka Gandhi to step into the political arena and take on a more prominent role. He further added that he will join her in the Parliament “whenever it is the right time”.
“This time when the decision was being taken, I didn’t take no for an answer.It is essential now for her to be in active politics and parliament and not just campaign. She works hard… the slogans she raises ‘I can fight’ … if they are taken to the parliament, she’ll be able to perform her duties even better.”
He thanked the people for their role in the recent elections and expressed his desire to see Priyanka in Parliament, saying, “She should be in Parliament, not because she has been campaigning but I want her to be in Parliament. She should be in the Parliament before me. I can follow whenever the time is right. I am happy, and I hope people will give her a good mandate.”
Vadra highlighted the Congress party‘s efforts to address crucial issues such as religious polarization, unemployment, women’s safety, and inflation. He praised the leadership of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi in creating a stronger opposition and credited them for their extensive campaigning across the country.
Commenting on the BJP’s reaction to the political developments, Vadra said, “They’re worried, troubled. They’re huddling together to understand what next we can do. Priyanka will be raising the issues. She gave the slogan – ‘Ladki hoon lad sakti hoon.’ She fought for women for long. Voices of women will be raised. BJP should look at their history. They can’t talk about Parivarvaad. People don’t want to hear them anymore. We will fight them and ensure a secular government.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s decision to contest from Wayanad marks a significant step in her political career since her appointment as Congress general secretary in 2019. Her entry into the Wayanad bypoll follows her brother Rahul Gandhi‘s decision to retain the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh.
If Priyanka wins, the Nehru-Gandhi family will have three representatives in Parliament: Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha, and Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
Despite the Congress party’s performance in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, Priyanka has proven to be an effective campaigner. Her efforts in the recent Lok Sabha elections contributed to the party’s improved performance, securing 99 seats compared to previous elections.
Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy in Wayanad demonstrates the Congress party’s strategy to strengthen its presence and challenge the BJP, focusing on issues of national importance and promoting a secular and inclusive government.
(With agency inputs)