Priyanka Gandhi Takes Wayanad Seat, Beats Rahul Gandhi's Earlier Margin

Bengaluru (The Uttam Hindu): Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the AICC General Secretary, secured a decisive victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll in Kerala, winning by an impressive 4 lakh votes, surpassing the lead previously held by her brother, Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka, 52, triumphed over LDF’s Sathyan Mokeri, who received 2.02 lakh votes, while BJP's Navya Haridas polled 1.06 lakh votes. Rahul had won the seat with a margin of 3.64 lakh votes in the past.

Priyanka’s victory had been widely anticipated, with analysts keenly awaiting the voter turnout and the margin of her win. Despite a sharp decline in voter turnout — 64.72% compared to 72.92% earlier this year and 80.33% in 2019 — Priyanka’s margin of victory remained substantial.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Priyanka expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. I will make sure that over time, you truly feel this victory has been your victory, and the person you chose to represent you understands your hopes and dreams and fights for you as one of your own.” She also thanked her party workers and family, and acknowledged Rahul's unwavering support, calling him "the bravest of them all."