Priyanka Gandhi secures sweeping victory in Wayanad by-election

In Kerala, the by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat took place on November 13, 2024, following the vacating of the seat by Rahul Gandhi, who was elected from both Wayanad and Rae Barelli in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes revealed that Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is achieving a significant lead, receiving a total of 461,566 votes. Her main competitor, CPI candidate Satyam Mokeri, garnered only 158,458 votes, while BJP's Navya Karidas received 85,630 votes. This by-election was historically significant as it marked Priyanka Gandhi's debut in electoral politics, showcasing her influence within the Congress party. Her decision to contest from Wayanad was strategic, aligning her candidacy with her brother's previous representation of the constituency, thereby appealing to the local electorate. The Wayanad by-election is not the only voting event taking place, as counting is also ongoing for the Nanded Lok Sabha by-poll, where the BJP candidate Santukrao Hambarde is reported to be leading. Furthermore, assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra are being counted simultaneously, with results indicating the Congress-JMM alliance surpassing the halfway mark in Jharkhand, while the Mahayuti alliance leads in Maharashtra with more than 200 seats. The results of the Wayanad by-election signal a strong mandate for Priyanka Gandhi and may have broader implications for her political career and the Congress party's strategy moving forward. With this level of support, Priyanka is likely to solidify her presence in Indian politics, potentially influencing future elections and party dynamics.