By Sushil Kutty
On November 28, another member of the Nehru-Gandhi family made her significant entrance into the Lower House of the Indian Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived alongside her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi, both of whom are also Members of Parliament, forming a rare political trio. While Sonia Gandhi serves in the Rajya Sabha, Rahul and Priyanka represent the Lok Sabha.
Priyanka Gandhi’s parliamentary debut has sparked discussions, with many suggesting she might have taken this step much earlier instead of waiting until the end of 2024. However, there are underlying reasons for this delay. Contrary to popular belief, there exists a hierarchy within the Gandhi family, where Rahul Gandhi ultimately holds the reins, although he often defers to their mother, Sonia, when necessary.
Priyanka had to bide her time and navigate her brother Rahul’s decisions. If anyone thought she would secure the Lok Sabha seat from Raebareli or Amethi in the forthcoming 2024 elections, they likely underestimated Rahul’s willingness to vacate Wayanad in Kerala for Raebareli.
With Rahul Gandhi, nothing is straightforward. To the general public, he remains an enigma—a mystery even to Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra herself. Thus, scrutiny of Priyanka Gandhi Vilas’s late arrival in the Lok Sabha by the common people, the aam aadmi, should be set aside.
This shouldn’t suggest that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is part of the Great Unwashed; quite the opposite! Priyanka’s belonging to the globally recognized Nehru-Gandhi family creates an impression of sophistication that rivals even the most distinguished women. This lineage, perceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a form of dynastic rule, is often criticized.
However, dismantling such systems is more complex than it seems. On her parliamentary debut, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra opted for the traditional Kerala ‘Kasavu’ saree. The choice was impeccable—this saree symbolizes the essence of Malayali culture and is reserved for special occasions, often seen during Onam, Kerala’s vibrant harvest festival.
The Kerala Kasavu saree represents not just elegance but also cultural craftsmanship. Regardless of social standing, every woman in Kerala dreams of having one in her collection, as it never goes out of style. By wearing the Kasavu saree, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has secured respect within the Kerala community!
That said, the saree does not necessarily resonate with everyone in Kerala, as it is primarily viewed as a “Hindu saree,” while Wayanad, her Lok Sabha constituency, is largely Muslim. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may have unintentionally alienated some groups within the community with her attire choice.
Kerala, like any other Indian state, has its share of complexities; there are residents who do not celebrate ‘Onam’. This circumstance highlights the significance of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She is a Gandhi, a descendant of Nehru, the great-granddaughter, granddaughter, and daughter of a Prime Minister. Additionally, she is the daughter of Sonia Gandhi, who was a long-serving Congress President and could have ascended to the Prime Ministerial position herself, as is often speculated!
Clearly, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra carries with her a legacy rich in vintage and history. If Rahul Gandhi is perceived to be on a path toward the Prime Ministership, it follows that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could also be positioned for a similar role, should circumstances align. In essence, Priyanka is born into political fortuitousness!
The relevance of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extends beyond Indian politics; she holds a prestigious position within the Indian National Congress, serving as a secretary of the All India Congress Committee, a member of the Congress Working Committee, and as a General-Secretary of the party. Her status as an MP will enable her to exercise even greater influence moving forward.
Moreover, she bears a resemblance to Indira Gandhi, not only in appearance but also in her delivery style, which may offer her an advantage over Rahul Gandhi, who bears a striking appearance to their father, Rajiv Gandhi, yet lacks his confident demeanor. During the Wayanad election, posters proclaiming ‘INDIRA IS BACK!’ featuring Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were prevalent in Lucknow. Only those familiar with her can accurately gauge how closely Priyanka aligns with Indira’s formidable character. In conclusion, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s entry into the Lok Sabha is not just significant—it’s a moment for Malayalis! (IPA Service)
