Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (born 12 January 1972) is an Indian politician, general secretary of the Indian National Congress, and Member of Parliament for Wayanad in Kerala. She is the daughter of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi and the sister of Rahul Gandhi. For years she campaigned behind the scenes for her family before formally entering politics in 2019. She won her first election in 2024 by a margin of more than four lakh votes.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra |
| Born | 12 January 1972, New Delhi, India |
| Age | 54 |
| Party | Indian National Congress (general secretary) |
| Constituency | Wayanad, Kerala (Lok Sabha, since 2024) |
| Education | BA Psychology, Jesus and Mary College, Delhi; MA in Buddhist Studies |
| Parents | Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi |
| Spouse | Robert Vadra (m. 1997) |
| Children | Raihan, Miraya |
Early Life
Priyanka was born in New Delhi and grew up in the household of her grandmother, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated when Priyanka was 12. Her father was killed in 1991. She studied psychology at Jesus and Mary College in Delhi and later earned a master’s degree in Buddhist studies. She is often said to resemble her grandmother in looks and style.
Political Career
For many years Priyanka managed campaigns in the family constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli for her mother and brother without holding any party post. She was admired for her connection with voters.
In January 2019 Priyanka formally entered active politics as a Congress general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, and she later took charge of the whole state. For the 2022 Uttar Pradesh election she led the campaign “Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon” (“I am a girl, I can fight”), promising 40% of the party’s tickets to women.
When Rahul Gandhi chose to keep Rae Bareli after the 2024 election, Priyanka contested the Wayanad by-election in November 2024. She won by 4,10,931 votes in her first-ever election, joining her mother and brother in Parliament. She is active on issues affecting Wayanad, including relief for landslide- and flood-hit families.
Personal Life
Priyanka married businessman Robert Vadra in 1997, and they have two children, Raihan and Miraya. In 2008 she visited Nalini Sriharan, a convict in her father’s assassination, in Vellore jail. She later said the meeting was a personal way of finding peace.
Key Milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Priyanka Gandhi Vadra born?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was born on 12 January 1972 in New Delhi, India.
