Wayanad (Kerala) [India], November 13 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media on Wednesday to express his support for his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, urging Wayanad voters to back her in the ongoing Lok Sabha bye-election.
Rahul via a post on X said, "I'm reaching out to my family in Wayanad--this election, my sister Priyanka Gandhi is ready to be your voice in Parliament. She will be more than just a representative--she will be your sister, your daughter, and your advocate. I am confident she will help unlock Wayanad's full potential. I urge all of you to come out, vote, and support her. Let's ensure a resounding victory together!"
https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1856555992026140952
Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress candidate, also encouraged people to vote. She said, "People are coming out and voting, it is a good thing. I hope everyone will exercise their democratic right and vote. This is the biggest strength given to the people by the Constitution and they should use it well."
As of 9:00 am, the first phase of voting in Wayanad saw a turnout of 13.04 percent.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Navya Haridas, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, took a swipe at Congress, accusing them of using various tactics to sway voters.
After visiting the Sree Ayyappa Mahakshethram temple, Haridas spoke with ANI about her campaign, expressing confidence that she will win the ongoing by-election against Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
"People of Wayanad need a person who can work with them at the grassroots level and who can address their issues in Parliament and find solutions. Congress is trying to influence voters this time by providing kits, money, liquor--everything. Because there is a fear factor for Congress that they are going to lose this election," said Haridas.
Haridas also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who previously held the Wayanad seat, for allegedly failing to address key issues in Parliament. She claimed that the same would happen if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra represented the area in the future. "They have never been involved with the people of Wayanad to seek their real requirements or address these needs in Parliament," Haridas told ANI.
Additionally, Haridas spoke about the long-standing demand to lift the night travel ban in Bandipur, criticizing Congress's approach to the matter. "Rahul Gandhi has never given any intervention in this matter... Just giving words to the people and not sticking to their promises," she said.
The by-election in Wayanad is part of a larger voting process across 31 assembly seats in 10 states. Wayanad's contest includes Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Congress, Navya Haridas from BJP, and Sathyan Mokeri from the Left alliance.