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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress leader and United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for Wayanad, is gearing up for her election campaign in the upcoming by-elections. She is scheduled to kick off her campaign on October 28, 2023, with a comprehensive plan to cover all seven assembly segments within the Wayanad parliamentary constituency.
The Wayanad constituency, established in 2009, has consistently elected Congress representatives to Parliament. It encompasses three districts – Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode – and is comprised of the following assembly segments: Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, and Mananthavady (Wayanad); Thiruvambady (Kozhikode); and Eranad, Wandoor, and Nilambur (Malappuram).
Gandhi's initial campaign activities will begin with corner meetings in Meenangadi under the Sultan Bathery constituency at 12 pm on October 28. This will be followed by a meeting in Panamaram under the Mananthavady constituency at 3 pm, and a final meeting in Pozhuthana under the Kalpetta constituency at 5 pm.
The next day, October 29, she will continue her campaign in Kerala, with a stop in Engapuzha under the Thiruvambady constituency at 10 am, followed by a rally in Therattammal within the Eranad constituency at 2 pm.
This campaign marks Priyanka Gandhi's maiden electoral battle, as she filed her nomination on Wednesday. The Wayanad constituency has a complex political history, showcasing a blend of traditional support for Congress and rising influence from other parties like the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
In the Wayanad assembly constituencies, Congress holds strong positions in Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. However, Mananthavady is represented by Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader OR Kelu, a minister in Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's cabinet, who has held the seat for two consecutive terms. This highlights the CPM's significant presence in the area.
While Congress has traditionally held an edge in Lok Sabha polls in Wayanad since 2009, the CPM's strength, particularly in Mananthavady, necessitates a robust campaign strategy. Thiruvambady, located in Kozhikode district, was once considered a stronghold of Congress, with party candidates winning consistently since its first election in 1977. Over the last two decades, however, the CPIM has established a notable presence in this constituency, which also faces influence from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Moving to Malappuram district, the Eranad constituency, formed in 2011, has emerged as a stronghold of the IUML – a key Congress ally in Kerala. PK Basheer, representing the IUML, has consistently won the Eranad seat since its inception. Nilambur, another constituency in Malappuram, is currently held by PV Anvar, a former LDF-backed Independent MLA, although it remains a key area of interest for Congress.
Congress veteran Aryadan Muhammed's representation of Nilambur for seven terms had solidified a strong base for the party. This history fuels Congress's hopes for a strong showing in the upcoming by-polls. Finally, Wandoor, also in Malappuram district, demonstrates robust Congress support, with AP Anil Kumar winning the seat consistently since 2001.
The strong Congress backing across multiple segments within Wayanad has fortified their position in the constituency, even during periods of political setbacks. The upcoming campaign, starting on October 28, will be crucial for Congress to consolidate their support base and achieve victory in the by-elections.
Source: Priyanka Gandhi to campaign in all 7 Assembly segments of Wayanad from Oct 28