Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s entrance into the Lok Sabha was not only a significant political moment but also one steeped in symbolism, as she took her oath as the Member of Parliament from Wayanad on Thursday. The moment was marked by her choice of a Kerala Kasavu saree, an iconic traditional attire that many saw as a deliberate homage to her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, the three-time Prime Minister of India.
Priyanka’s attire—a white saree with a gold border—immediately reminded many of a young Indira Gandhi, who was known for wearing similar sarees during her tenure in Parliament. Indira Gandhi’s simple yet dignified style often resonated with the common people, and Priyanka’s decision to wear the Kasavu saree appeared to evoke the same sentiment, connecting her to her grandmother’s legacy of leadership and humility.
When asked by the media if she had thought of her grandmother during the ceremony, Priyanka replied, “Yes, I did remember her, and I also remembered my father,” referring to her late father, Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. This statement underlined the deep emotional significance of the occasion, which was not just about her swearing-in but about continuing the political and personal legacies of her family.
The Kasavu saree, with its strong roots in Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, also held a deeper meaning for the people of Wayanad, where Priyanka Gandhi was elected with a decisive margin of 4,10,931 votes. The saree symbolized unity and respect for the region’s traditions, as Priyanka chose to wear it while taking her oath as their representative in Parliament. Her victory in Wayanad was a major one, as she triumphed over Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate Sathyan Mokeri in a triangular contest, which also saw the BJP’s Navya Haridas in the fray.
The Wayanad seat had previously been occupied by Priyanka’s brother, Rahul Gandhi, who vacated it after winning the Raebareli seat in the 2019 general elections. Priyanka’s choice to contest the seat was seen as a significant political move, and her landslide victory only solidified her place as a prominent Congress leader.
Joining Priyanka at the oath-taking ceremony were her mother, Sonia Gandhi, her brother Rahul Gandhi, and her children, Raihan and Miraya Vadra, highlighting the family’s united presence at the historic moment. In addition to Priyanka, Congress leader Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan also took the oath as a Member of Parliament, after securing the Nanded Lok Sabha seat in a by-election with 5,86,788 votes.
The day’s events, marked by familial support and the significance of Priyanka’s attire, not only celebrated her political victory but also honored the enduring legacy of the Gandhi family in India’s political landscape.
Sources By Agencies
