By Amika

Pune: On the last day of filing nomination papers in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency of Kerala, 16 candidates remained in the fray.

The star candidate is Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, sister of Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi. Ms Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra is contesting from the seat for the first time. Her brother had won the seat in 2019 which he vacated this time as he was also elected from Rae Bareilley seat by a margin of over 3.9 lakh votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra is the UDF candiate. LDFhas fielded Sathyan Mokeri and the BJP has nominated Navya Hardias. All eyes however are on Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra.

The talk in Wayanad is not about whether Ms Priyanka will win or not but about the margin of victory, said Congress leaders.

In 2019, Mr Rahul Gandhi had won the seat by a record margin of over 4.31 lakh votes. Will Priayanka do one better ? is what the aam janata of Wayanad is asking each other.

In Wayanad, there is an interesting candidate in fray. His name is K Padmarajan, who hails from Tamil Nadul. This will be his 245th election. 

Ms Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra is known for her good Hindi speeches. But in Kerala, she will have to mostly make do with English, a language which she is well-versed. 

The BJP and LDF are confident that their candidates will put a good fight. The BJP in fact hopes that its candidate will pull of a surprise act.