Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Sworn in as MP from Wayanad, Joins Parliament as Third Member of Gandhi Family

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took her oath as a Member of Parliament on Thursday, marking her debut in the Lok Sabha. The Congress leader emerged victorious in the recently conducted Wayanad by-election in Kerala, winning by a significant margin of over 4 lakh votes. Vadra secured 6.2 lakh votes, defeating Communist Party of India candidate Sathyan Mokeri, who garnered far fewer votes. This makes Priyanka the third member of the Gandhi family in Parliament, joining her mother, Sonia Gandhi, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan, and her brother Rahul Gandhi who represents Raebareli in the Lok Sabha.

Dressed in a traditional Kerala saree, or kasavu, and holding a red-bound copy of the Constitution, Vadra took her oath. This image has become symbolic in recent times, as her brother Rahul Gandhi frequently carried the Constitution to highlight concerns over the ruling BJP’s efforts to alter or undermine its principles. Accompanying Vadra for the swearing-in ceremony were her mother, Sonia Gandhi, her brother, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior party leaders.

The by-election in Wayanad was called after Rahul Gandhi decided to retain his Raebareli seat, following the Representation of the People Act’s requirement to hold only one seat after winning multiple constituencies. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had been announced as the Congress candidate for the by-poll in June.

"I am very happy today," Vadra said after taking the oath, as she was welcomed by loud cheers and chants of 'Bharat Jodo.' However, shortly after, the House was adjourned due to protests over the Adani issue.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ravindra Chavan was also sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Maharashtra’s Nanded. Chavan won the seat in a close contest, defeating BJP’s Santukrao Hambarde by just 1,457 votes. The Nanded by-election had been necessitated by the death of Ravindra Chavan’s father, Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan, who had previously held the seat.
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