Wayand: Congress leader and party candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who arrived here on Monday for the election campaigns and spoke to the people. Speaking to the people, Vadra remembered an incident that had occurred with her when she had come to file her nomination and how it made her feel that Wayanad made her feel like she had a mother. "A few days ago, when I had come to file my nomination for the UDF candidate, I had stopped my car and talked to one of the people who told me that his mother wanted to meet me but wasn't well. I had gone to the house of the person and met his mother. She hugged me as if I was her child, and hugged me like my mother. That is how Wayanad makes me feel like I already have a mother," she said. It is not easy to be my brother. For ten years, he endured relentless, vicious attacks by the BJP's machinery. Lies were spread about him in ways that, I believe, are unprecedented in global politics. Through all these difficult times, it was you who stood by him. I know you… pic.twitter.com/4WaDNPxPaJ — Congress (@INCIndia) October 28, 2024 Further, she narrates how her visit to Wayanad during the landslide made her realize how a community could come together to help people. "When I came here with my brother after the landslides, I understood how a community came together to help people. I saw each one of you help each other. Even the youngest kids who lost their families had dignity. You are courageous and you honor the teachings of all religions. How can I not be the proudest person to get an opportunity to represent Wayanad," she said. Vadra further spoke on how there were several issues in the state from the needs of the tribal community to MSP of crops, the tourism industry, and unemployment. Speaking on the same, she said "With these conversations with the people here, I am going to understand the issues faced by you. I understand what my responsibility is. I know you are here because of the love for my brother and I was sad too when he had to leave you all. Today, we are fighting a big battle for the values of our constitution, democracy, and equality." Vadra added that it was the right time to stand for democracy and truth. "If there is a time to stand up for democracy for the right and the truth, it is now. My expectations are not any lakh number of votes, but it is to look within your heart," she concluded. Congress party approved Priyanka Gandhi's candidature on October 15, after the by-poll schedule was announced by the Election Commission of India. Wayanad will go to the polls on November 13 along with voting for bye-elections in 47 assembly seats across 15 states. The first phase of assembly polls in Jharkhand will also be held on November 13.
