On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to file her nomination for the Lok Sabha by-election from Wayanad in Kerala. This marks a new chapter for the Nehru-Gandhi family. She will lead a roadshow with her brother, Rahul Gandhi, before submitting her papers.

If she wins, Priyanka will be the third member of her family in Parliament. She will join her mother, Sonia Gandhi, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan and the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Her brother, Rahul Gandhi, is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the MP from Rae Bareli.

Congress’s Strategy Amid “Dynasty Politics” Criticism

Some believe that having three Gandhis in Parliament might strengthen the BJP’s attacks on the Congress over “dynasty politics” and claims of a “Shahi Parivar” running the party. However, the Congress thinks that as long as the Nehru-Gandhi family remains central to the party, the BJP will continue its criticisms, regardless of the number of family members in Parliament.

When Priyanka was nominated in June, shortly after the Lok Sabha election results boosted the party, many Congress leaders felt it was a strategic move. They believed that with the BJP appearing vulnerable after the parliamentary polls, Priyanka’s entry could invigorate the party.

Changing Political Landscape

Since then, political dynamics have shifted, especially after the Congress’s loss in Haryana—a state it was expected to win. The outcome of the elections on November 23 will significantly impact the Opposition’s position, particularly if the Congress manages to challenge the BJP and its allies in Maharashtra.

With Priyanka expected to win in Wayanad, there is anticipation of sharp exchanges in Parliament between the Modi government and the Gandhi siblings during the Winter Session.

The Battle for Wayanad

Before that, Priyanka must secure a victory in Wayanad. She faces veteran Left leader Sathyan Mokeri of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Navya Haridas, a Kozhikode municipal councillor from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress needs to address organizational issues that saw Rahul Gandhi’s vote share in Wayanad drop from 64.64% to 59.69%. Votes decreased sharply in the Kalpetta, Mananthavady, and Sulthan Bathery Assembly segments. Focusing on these areas will be crucial for Priyanka’s success.

Roadshow and Nomination Filing

Priyanka arrived in Wayanad with her mother, Sonia Gandhi, on Tuesday evening. The roadshow, accompanied by Rahul Gandhi, will start at 11 a.m. from the Kalpetta new bus stand. Priyanka is expected to submit her nomination papers to the district collector before noon.

Several senior Congress leaders and the Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states are also expected to be present in Wayanad to show their support.

Maha Vikas Aghadi Alliance Finalizes Seat-Sharing in Maharashtra

While Priyanka files her nomination, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is set to announce its seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Assembly elections. A press conference is scheduled in Mumbai this afternoon after a lengthy meeting on Tuesday.

Sources indicate that the Congress is likely to contest 105-110 seats, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) will contest 85-90 seats, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar will contest 75-80 seats. The first list of Congress candidates is expected to be released on Friday, October 25, according to Ramesh Chennithala, the All India Congress Committee’s Maharashtra in-charge.

Eknath Shinde Visits Guwahati’s Kamakhya Temple

In other news, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Guwahati to offer prayers at the famous Kamakhya temple. This visit comes more than two years after he last came to the city during the Shiv Sena split in June 2022. Shinde and his aides had camped in Guwahati and visited the temple during that political turmoil.

Although Shinde’s Shiv Sena announced its first list of candidates late Tuesday night, the ruling Mahayuti alliance has not publicly detailed how the three member parties will divide the 288 Assembly constituencies. There is reported dissent among Shiv Sena workers against BJP candidates in constituencies like Kalyan East, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Murbad.