Polling began at 7 AM today in Kerala’s Wayanad constituency for a closely watched by-election that marks Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s first contest as a candidate. This bypoll, necessitated after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat to retain Raebareli, has turned into a high-profile three-way race. Priyanka Gandhi is seeking to not only retain the Congress stronghold but also expand the margin of victory previously achieved by her brother.

Tight Security and Polling Arrangements
The Election Commission has set up over 1,000 booths in Wayanad, with heightened security in place, particularly in areas with a history of unrest. Special arrangements, including 24-hour control rooms, have been made to ensure smooth operations. In preparation, district administrations deployed multiple units of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Armed Police Battalion across seven assembly segments spanning Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts.

Key Contestants and Campaign Highlights
Priyanka Gandhi faces formidable competition from the Left Democratic Front’s Sathyan Mokeri and the BJP’s Navya Haridas. Mokeri, who previously narrowed Congress’s winning margin in Wayanad, and Haridas have both questioned Priyanka’s electoral experience, pointing to her brother’s infrequent visits to the constituency after his 2019 win. Nevertheless, Priyanka has actively engaged with voters, emphasizing the bond between Rahul and the people of Wayanad, her commitment to addressing local issues, and her readiness to serve.

A Month-Long Campaign and Appeals to Voters
Throughout her month-long campaign, Priyanka underscored the “love and affection” Rahul Gandhi holds for the constituency, pledging regular visits to Wayanad should she win. Addressing voters on social media, she urged them to participate, calling it a “day for you to make your choice and exercise the greatest power our constitution has given you.”

Other By-Elections Across India
Today’s polling in Wayanad coincides with by-elections in 33 assembly seats across 11 states, including seats in Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Assam. Notably, voting was delayed in some booths due to technical issues, but polling resumed after swift intervention.

The Wayanad by-election results will be declared on November 23, alongside results from other by-elections across the country. With a legacy seat at stake and the Gandhi name in focus, the outcome in Wayanad will be closely watched as an indicator of Congress’s standing in Kerala and Priyanka Gandhi’s potential future in Indian politics.