In Pictures: Priyanka Gandhi enters parliament with Kerala’s grace and Indira vibes
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the new MP from Wayanad. She wore a traditional Kerala saree. This reminded many of Indira Gandhi. Priyanka's family attended the ceremony. She won by a large margin. Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan also won a by-electi...
By ET Online | Updated:
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes oath as MP for the first time after winning Wayanad LS Bypoll
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s entry into the Lok Sabha on Thursday wasn’t just about politics; it was a moment packed with symbolism. Dressed in a beautiful Kerala Kasavu saree, Priyanka instantly reminded many of her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, who often wore similar traditional sarees in Parliament.
As Priyanka took her oath as the new MP from Wayanad, holding a copy of the Constitution, her attire seemed to honour both the cultural heritage of Kerala and the legacy of her family.
Her resemblance to Indira Gandhi was striking, bringing back memories of the former Prime Minister’s powerful presence. Indira had a knack for using her outfits to connect with people, and Priyanka’s saree felt like a nod to that same idea. When asked if she thought of her grandmother during the ceremony, Priyanka said, “Yes, I did remember her, and I also remembered my father.”
A gesture of gratitude to Kerala
The Kasavu saree is more than just clothing—it’s a symbol of Kerala’s culture. By wearing it, Priyanka appeared to be paying respect to the people of Wayanad, who elected her with an overwhelming margin of 4,10,931 votes. She defeated Sathyan Mokeri of the CPI in what turned out to be a three-way contest with BJP’s Navya Haridas also in the fray.
Her family was present to witness the occasion. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka’s children, Raihan and Miraya Vadra, attended the ceremony, making it a family moment as well as a political one.
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Filling big shoes in Wayanad
Wayanad has been a Congress stronghold, previously represented by Priyanka’s brother Rahul Gandhi. After Rahul shifted to Raebareli following his victory from both constituencies in this year’s general elections, Priyanka stepped in, making her electoral debut in Kerala.
Congress wins
Priyanka wasn’t the only Congress leader taking the oath. Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan, who won the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election, also joined the Lok Sabha. He secured a decisive victory with 5,86,788 votes, following the death of the sitting Congress MP, Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan.
The by-elections across 15 states saw contests in 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats, with Priyanka’s debut being one of the most talked-about moments.
