Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi received accolades from party stalwarts including Shashi Tharoor and her husband Robert Vadra after it was announced that she would contest the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, previously held by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

Mr. Tharoor expressed his support on Twitter, declaring, “No more doubt, here comes Priyanka.” Robert Vadra echoed this sentiment, sharing the same image with folded hands and a heart emoji.

Despite speculation about her potential challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi or succession to Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli, Priyanka, 52, has been nominated from Kerala’s Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi, who opted to vacate Wayanad for Priyanka while retaining Rae Bareli, expressed confidence in her ability to uphold his legacy in Kerala.

“I am very happy to represent Wayanad. I assure you I won’t let his absence be felt. I will work hard to make everyone happy and be a good representative,” Priyanka remarked.

Her candidacy is viewed as a strategic move by Congress to consolidate its position in Kerala, where the party has seen recent electoral success.

Priyanka’s political journey includes roles as general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh and later the entire state. Despite mixed results in the 2019 elections, she strengthened the party’s grassroots presence. By December 2023, she emerged as Congress’ key strategist and star campaigner for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, significantly contributing to the party’s increased seat count.

Robert Vadra, who previously considered contesting from Amethi, expressed support as Priyanka takes on this new challenge. If elected, it would mark the first time three Gandhi family members simultaneously serve in Parliament, alongside Sonia Gandhi representing Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha.

“I extend my best wishes to Mrs. @priyankagandhi ji on being declared the Congress candidate from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. I am confident that the people of Wayanad will wholeheartedly support Priyanka ji and make her their voice in Parliament,” wrote Congress leader Sachin Pilot.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief K Sudhakaran welcomed Priyanka’s candidacy in Wayanad, noting, “Now, two Gandhi voices will speak for Kerala in Parliament! Wayanad is making history.”