Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 24 : After Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-poll in Kerala, Union Minister L Murugan said that the former came for a "tourist visit" to the area and the public will not vote for the tourists.
The BJP leader also asserted that the BJP will work for the development of Kerala and the public will vote for them.
"Priyanka Gandhi Vadra came for a tourist visit to Wayanad...Our account has already opened in Thrissur. Wayanad is going to be the second seat that we will win in Kerala...The public will not vote for the tourists...BJP will work for the development of Kerala...The public will vote for the BJP," Murugan said.
On Wednesday, Priyanka filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll in Kerala in the presence of top leaders of the party as she embarks on her electoral debut.
She termed the filing of her nomination as a "moment filled with emotion" and vowed to work for the progress of Wayanad.
"Filing my nomination for the Wayanad by-election today was a moment filled with emotion. The love you've shown to Rahul Ji, and now to me, is something I carry with me every step of the way. Wayanad's strength lies in its people-their kindness, resilience, and belief in a better future," Priyanka Gandhi posted on X.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders exuded confidence in Priyanka's victory from Wayanad.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that Priyanka Gandhi fighting the elections from Wayanad will benefit the Congress party.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi also praised Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and said that she has always been someone who would sacrifice anything for her family and friends, and this quality will make her an exceptional MP for Wayanad.
Gandhi is up against Navya Haridas, a candidate fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Left Democratic Front's (LDF) candidate Sathyan Mokeri.
Haridas is a two-time Kozhikode Corporation councilor.
If Priyanka Gandhi wins from Wayanad, she will be the third person from the Gandhi family to enter Parliament.
The Wayanad seat was vacated by Rahul Gandhi, who retained the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Constituency.
The by-poll in the constituency is scheduled to be held on November 13. The counting of votes will take place on November 23.