The Communist Party of India (CPI) has announced its candidate, Sathyan Mokeri, to contest against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the upcoming Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. This decision, revealed by CPI's state secretary Binoy Viswam, brings Mokeri back into the electoral spotlight after his 2014 bid for the Wayanad seat.
Priyanka Gandhi's candidacy was confirmed earlier this week by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, making this bypoll a significant contest. The Wayanad seat became vacant following Rahul Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh during the general elections earlier this year.
Rahul Gandhi had also won from Wayanad in the 2019 polls, further establishing the constituency as a stronghold for the Gandhi family. With Priyanka Gandhi now stepping into the electoral race, she aims to carry forward the family legacy in the region.
The bypoll in Wayanad is scheduled for November 13, alongside bye-elections in 47 assembly seats across 15 states, as well as the first phase of assembly elections in Jharkhand.
This election is pivotal not only for the Congress party but also for the political dynamics in Kerala, as Priyanka Gandhi is poised to become the third MP from the Gandhi family in the current Parliament if she secures a win. Currently, Sonia Gandhi represents the family in the Rajya Sabha, while Rahul Gandhi serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Priyanka Gandhi has long been connected to the family’s political base in Amethi and Raebareli, areas where she actively worked even before entering mainstream politics. This continued connection with the grassroots of these constituencies is seen as a valuable asset as she takes on a key role in the Wayanad bypoll.
Her candidacy, seen as a significant move by the Congress party, is bolstered by her brother Rahul Gandhi's confidence in her ability to secure a victory in Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi, while expressing his support for Priyanka, highlighted that Wayanad could benefit from having "two members of Parliament," referring to both himself and his sister.
He emphasised his deep connection with the people of the constituency, offering his support and highlighting the strength of the Gandhi family's relationship with Wayanad.
The CPI's decision to field Sathyan Mokeri signals a serious challenge to the Congress campaign. Mokeri, a seasoned politician, will bring his previous electoral experience from the 2014 Wayanad election into the fold, hoping to rally support and challenge Priyanka's influence in the region.
While the CPI's focus will likely centre around issues of development and local concerns, the Congress party is expected to lean heavily on Priyanka's national profile and her family’s established ties in the area.
The results of the Wayanad bypoll, along with other assembly and Lok Sabha seats being contested, will be announced on November 23. As the date approaches, the campaign in Wayanad is expected to heat up, with both the Congress and CPI mobilising resources and voters in an intense contest.
For Priyanka Gandhi, this election will be a test of her political acumen and an opportunity to further strengthen her position within the Congress and national politics. On the other hand, Sathyan Mokeri and the CPI will aim to disrupt the Congress dominance and present a viable alternative for the voters of Wayanad.
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