Priyanka Gandhi's first poll test begins; Wayanad goes to the polls

Voting for Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election began early on Wednesday morning and voters lined up ahead of 7 a.m. in front of the 1354 polling booths across the geographically large constituency that includes parts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kzohikode districts. 

The Wayanad by-election has grabbed national attention as Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut in the constituency, previously represented by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is pitted against Left Democratic Front candidate Sathyan Mokeri, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee Navya Haridas, and 13 others in Wayanad.

Rahul's constituency

Rahul Gandhi won Wayanad in 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rahul, however, decided to vacate Wayanad and retain Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, which he also won in the 2024 general elections.

Days after the June 4 results of the general elections, the Congress announced that Rahul Gandhi would retain the Raebareli seat and vacate the Wayanad seat paving the way for his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to make her electoral debut.

Polling in Wayanad began at 7 am, with special security measures in place. Wayanad has about 14 lakh eligible voters.

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