New Delhi: Businessman and husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Robert Vadra, has indicated a potential foray into politics, saying that he would step up if the public believes he can make a difference. His remarks came days after Priyanka Gandhi registered a resounding victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls — her first electoral win.
“If people feel that I can make a difference, then I surely will be in Parliament,” Vadra said when asked about his political ambitions. He expressed immense pride in his wife’s success and gratitude to the voters of Wayanad. “I always wanted Priyanka to be in Parliament, and today is an auspicious day as it comes just before she takes her oath,” he remarked.
Vadra emphasises on addressing voter concerns
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defeated CPI candidate Sathyan Mokeri by a margin of over 4.10 lakh votes, garnering 6,22,338 votes to her opponent’s 2,22,407. The BJP-led NDA candidate, Navya Haridas, came third with 1,09,939 votes. The bypoll was necessitated after Rahul Gandhi vacated the Wayanad seat to represent Rae Bareilly following his victory in the general elections earlier this year.
Robert Vadra also raised concerns about discrepancies in EVMs, citing public doubts about their reliability. Sharing an example, he pointed out inconsistencies in battery life readings on the machines, which he said raised suspicion about the electoral process. “When I’m with people, I learn about their needs and challenges. These experiences shape my understanding of politics,” Vadra said, emphasising the importance of addressing voter concerns. He also supported calls for revisiting traditional ballot papers to restore public faith in elections.
Rajiv Gandhi would have been proud of Priyanka’s achievement
Reflecting on the historic moment, Vadra said his late father-in-law, Rajiv Gandhi, would have been proud of Priyanka’s achievement. He credited her victory to her dedication and the people’s trust in her leadership. “People were confident she would win by a good margin. My heartfelt thanks go to the people of Wayanad for believing in her. She will fight for their rights and assist Rahul Gandhi and the Congress in Parliament,” he added.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders from Wayanad handed over the election certificate of the parliamentary byelection to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the presence of Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday.
