Wayanad: United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched her Lok Sabha bypoll campaign in the constituency on Monday. In a moving speech, she praised the people of Wayanad for their courage, resilience, and unity.

“When I came here with my brother after the terrible landslide, I immediately saw the strength of this community. No matter the profession or religion, each one of you did everything possible to help those affected,” she shared, addressing a gathering at an election convention in Meenangadi, Sultan Bathery.

“Even the youngest children who had lost their families spoke to us with great dignity and inner pride,” she added, honouring the spirit of the people of Wayanad. “You are a courageous people. It’s part of your history—you fought against the British. You live in a beautiful landscape and carry a rich heritage,” Priyanka said.

Reflecting on a personal experience, Priyanka recalled a recent visit to file her nomination papers. She met a retired Army officer who shared stories of his travels during his service. The officer’s mother, unable to come to the road due to health issues, welcomed Priyanka to their home. "She embraced me like her own daughter and handed me a rosary to give to my mother. I felt as though I had gained another family here—Wayanad feels like a mother to me now,” Priyanka shared, moved by the warmth of the people.

In her speech, she also drew a connection to an encounter with Mother Teresa after her father’s death, when the revered nun gave her a rosary and offered consolation. “Mother Teresa invited me to work with her. Later, after I got married and had children, I joined her organization as a teacher for young children. It was there I saw the power of community—the way people could come together to support each other through hardship.”

“You are an agricultural community that feeds the entire nation. Your values are strong, rooted in equality and social justice, and you honour the teachings of all religions. It would be my greatest honour to represent Wayanad,” Priyanka Gandhi stated.

She went on to criticise the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the centre. “You have witnessed attacks on minorities, violence in Manipur, and a consistent display of anger and hatred by this government, all orchestrated in a planned manner. The values enshrined in our Constitution are being undermined. Policies are crafted to benefit the Prime Minister and his allies rather than the public. There is a lack of compassion for our farmers, and the rights of tribal communities are disregarded as their lands are taken and handed over to big business tycoons.”

Priyanka emphasised her growing understanding of Wayanad's real issues, including human-animal conflict. “I recognise my responsibilities. I know that many of you came here out of love for my brother. If you place your trust in me, I promise not to let you down.” She stated that she will do everything possible to make the Wayanad Medical College a reality.

After the meeting at Meenangadi, Priyanka left for WMO Arts & Science College, Muttil, where she was slated to converse with the students.  Priyanka landed at Thaloor Nilgiri College by helicopter around noon and then travelled by road to Meenangadi. During her two-day visit, Priyanka will cover all seven assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency. Meanwhile, her main rivals, Left Democratic Front (LDF)'s Sathyan Mokeri and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Navya Haridas, have already begun their campaigns in Wayanad.

Campaign schedule
Monday
12:30 pm - Corner meeting at Meenangadi, Sultan Bathery AC, Meenangadi Block
2:30 pm – Corner meeting at Panamaram, Mananthavady AC, Panamaram Block
4:30 pm – Corner meeting at Pozhuthana, Kalpetta AC, Vythiri Block

Tuesday
9:30 am – Corner meeting at Engapuzha, Thiruvambadi AC, Thiruvambadi Block
12.30 pm - Corner meeting at Therattammal, Eranand AC, Areekode
3:00 pm – Corner meeting at Mampad, Wandoor AC, Wandoor Block
4:30 pm – Corner meeting at Chungathra, Nilambur AC, Edakkara Block

Party leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan, accompanied Priyanka on Monday. Wandoor MLA A P Anil Kumar recently said that the UDF workers have already completed constituency-level conventions, with booth-level conventions expected to conclude by Friday. Wayanad goes to the polls on November 13.

Earlier on Wednesday, October 23, Priyanka led a grand roadshow at Kalpetta before filing her nomination. The event saw the presence of her brother and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, and several prominent party leaders. Her husband, Robert Vadra, and their children, Raihan and Miraya, also joined her. "The roadshow brought a renewed hope and enthusiasm among party workers," noted Anil Kumar. "In her third round of visits, Priyanka is expected to cover a wide range of corner meetings across all legislative constituencies within Wayanad," Anil Kumar added.