Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, born on January 12, 1972, is a prominent Indian politician and a key figure in the Indian National Congress (INC). She is the daughter of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi and the sister of Rahul Gandhi. In November 2024, Priyanka made her electoral debut by contesting and winning the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election in Kerala. She succeeded her brother, Rahul Gandhi, who vacated the seat to retain his position in Rae Bareli.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra – Profile at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra |
| Position | Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha |
| Constituency | Wayanad, Kerala |
| Assumed Office | 28 November 2024 |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress |
| Date of Birth | 12 January 1972 (Age: 53) |
| Place of Birth | New Delhi, Delhi, India |
| Spouse | Robert Vadra (m. 1997) |
| Children | Raihan Vadra (Son), Miraya Vadra (Daughter) |
| Parents | Rajiv Gandhi (Father), Sonia Gandhi (Mother) |
| Sibling | Rahul Gandhi |
| Family Legacy | Nehru–Gandhi Family |
| Education | B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Buddhist Studies – University of Delhi |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Social Media – Instagram | @priyankagandhivadra |
| Priyanka Gandhi Vadra | |
| Twitter (X) | @priyankagandhi |
| YouTube | YouTube Channel |
Early Life and Education
Priyanka Gandhi was born and raised in New Delhi. She completed her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Delhi and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. In 2010, she earned a master’s degree in Buddhist Studies.
Political Career
Although actively involved in politics for several years, primarily managing campaigns for her mother and brother in their respective Rae Bareli and Amethi constituencies, Priyanka formally entered active politics in January 2019. She was appointed General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In September 2020, her role expanded to cover the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
2024 Wayanad By-Election
The Wayanad by-election in November 2024 was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi chose to retain his Rae Bareli seat, leaving Wayanad vacant. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested the seat and secured a resounding victory, obtaining 622,338 votes, which accounted for 64.99% of the total votes cast. She defeated her closest rival, Sathyan Mokeri of the Communist Party of India, by a margin of 410,931 votes.
Significance of the Victory
Priyanka’s victory in Wayanad was significant not only because it marked her electoral debut but also because she surpassed the previous winning margin set by her brother, Rahul Gandhi, in the 2024 general elections, where he had won by a margin of 364,422 votes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Wayanad’s current Member of Parliament (MP)?
As of April 2025, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra serves as the Member of Parliament for Wayanad, Kerala.
2. How many votes did Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secure in the Wayanad by-election?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured 622,338 votes in the Wayanad by-election held in November 2024.
3. What was the margin of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s victory in the Wayanad by-election?
She won the election by a margin of 410,931 votes over her nearest competitor, Sathyan Mokeri of the Communist Party of India.
4. Why was there a by-election in Wayanad in 2024?
The by-election was held because Rahul Gandhi, who had won both Wayanad and Rae Bareli seats in the 2024 general elections, chose to retain Rae Bareli, vacating the Wayanad seat.
5. What is Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s role in the Indian National Congress?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), a position she has held since February 2019.
Conclusion
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s entry into electoral politics through the Wayanad by-election has significantly developed Indian politics. Her overwhelming victory reflects the trust and confidence the people of Wayanad have placed in her leadership. As she continues her political journey, her contributions will be closely observed within her constituency and on the national stage.
