India’s political landscape is marked by its propensity for frequent and impactful changes. The nation’s rich history and interpretations play a vital role in shaping its politics.
Two major players, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress, wield significant influence in Indian politics. Moreover, the politics of specific states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab exert a substantial impact on the broader Indian political process.
The new situation that is being created through a legal context
A significant shift is underway in India’s political landscape. Priyanka Gandhi, the sister of Rahul Gandhi and the leader of India’s main opposition party, Congress, announced her decision to run for election for the first time.
Priyanka Gandhi’s candidacy has ignited optimism among tens of thousands of supporters in India. As a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, she represents a historic moment. The 52-year-old is preparing to compete in the upcoming elections.
If elected, Priyanka Gandhi will join her mother, Sonia Gandhi, a former president of the Congress party, who is a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament. Her brother, Rahul Gandhi, also recently won seats in the previous parliamentary elections in Wayanad and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh.
Rahul Gandhi, who has been a Member of Parliament for the Wayanad constituency since 2019, recently vacated the seat. Indian law permits an individual to hold only one parliamentary seat. Last Monday, he expressed his gratitude to the people of Wayanad.
Priyanka to by-election
Priyanka has announced her intention to contest the upcoming by-election in Wayanad. Despite the absence of a confirmed election date, she exudes confidence and enthusiasm to represent the constituency. Priyanka has assured the public that she is dedicated to filling the void left by Rahul Gandhi and is committed to working diligently for the welfare and happiness of all constituents.
The famous figure of the Gandhi family
Priyanka Gandhi is considered the most famous member of the Gandhi family. The Congress party suffered a series of defeats between 2014 and 2019, blamed on Rahul Gandhi’s poor leadership.
Priyanka is also seen as a symbol of her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and this has garnered significant support for her among the people.
She has been actively involved in her mother’s election campaigns since the 1990s and has also fully supported her brother, who entered active politics in 2004.
Before the 2019 general elections, Priyanka Gandhi was responsible for the Congress party’s campaign in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, marking her official political debut. Despite the Congress party’s weakness in that general election and in the state elections held in 2022, her relatively low profile was noted by senior party leaders as having contributed to the party’s security to some extent.
Congress party guard
Meanwhile, he took steps to appoint Priyanka Gandhi as the general secretary of the Congress party in 2019. This appointment was also an opportunity to confirm Rahul Gandhi’s presence.
Congress leaders have also emphasised that Priyanka’s role confirmed Rahul’s opportunity to campaign for the elections across the country. Political analyst Neerja Chaudhary pointed out that Priyanka was the saviour of the Gandhi family.
BJP complain about family politics
Some Indian political commentators believe that the Gandhi family’s connection with the people of Wayanad will continue, and Priyanka’s political entry will only strengthen that bond.
Some reports in India have suggested that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is becoming increasingly concerned about Priyanka Gandhi’s political approach and has begun to criticise her.
The BJP alleges that Priyanka’s entry risks India reverting to family politics. They also claim that the Congress party has transformed from a political party to a family business. Sheshad Poonawala, a representative of the BJP, has made these statements.
In this situation, Gandhi’s politics seems to be coming to the fore again. The Bharatiya Janata Party suffered a clear setback in the last parliamentary elections, and this situation can also be identified as one that will bring about a different transformation in Indian politics after the next five years.Opinions are now spreading that Priyanka will be a decisive factor there.
