Priyanka Gandhi’s Landmark Lok Sabha Debut: A New Chapter for the Nehru-Gandhi Family
New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has officially taken her oath as a member of the Lok Sabha, marking a significant milestone for the Nehru-Gandhi family. On Thursday, she was sworn in with her mother Sonia Gandhi, brother Rahul Gandhi, and Congress MPs by her side. Dressed in an elegant off-white saree with a golden border, Priyanka held the Constitution booklet, following the recent trend in Parliament set by her brother Rahul and other MPs from the INDIA bloc. The occasion was met with loud cheers and chants of “Bharat Jodo” as she took the oath, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the moment.
Priyanka’s resounding victory in the Wayanad bypoll marks her political debut, and her success not only represents her personal achievement but also stands as a momentous event for the Nehru-Gandhi family. For the first time in Indian political history, all three members of this prominent family – Priyanka, Rahul, and Sonia – are serving as members of Parliament simultaneously. Rahul, previously the MP from Wayanad, retained his seat in Rae Bareli, while Sonia is a Rajya Sabha member.
Priyanka’s victory, though slightly behind her brother’s impressive 2019 margin, was an undeniable success, as she secured a remarkable victory with a margin of over 4.10 lakh votes. Her dynamic grassroots campaign in Wayanad demonstrated her growing influence within Congress and strengthened her political foothold.
Her parliamentary debut is a significant development in Congress’s strategy, particularly as the party navigates its challenges against the dominance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While her critics may bring up debates surrounding dynastic politics, Priyanka’s supporters highlight her strong public presence and commitment to advocating for grassroots issues. Her role in the Lok Sabha is expected to bring renewed hope for Congress, particularly in the South, where she now carries the mantle for the party’s future.
This marks a new phase for Priyanka, who had long kept her political involvement at a distance. While she had previously assisted her mother and brother during electoral campaigns, it wasn’t until 2019 that she took on a formal political role as Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh. Despite her tenure not yielding significant electoral success in the state, her increasing prominence has made her one of Congress’s most visible leaders.
Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into the Lok Sabha not only strengthens her political journey but also opens up new possibilities for Congress, especially in regions like South India where the party has recently shown potential for growth.