The BJP has announced Navya Haridas as its candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election in Wayanad, Kerala, where she will face off against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. This by-election was necessitated after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had won both Wayanad and Raebareli, chose to retain the latter.

Navya Haridas, currently the State General Secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha, is a two-time councillor in Kozhikode Corporation and the BJP parliamentary party leader in the corporation. In the 2021 Assembly election, she contested from the Kozhikode South constituency as the NDA candidate.

Speaking to India Today after her candidacy was confirmed, Haridas criticised the Congress for neglecting Wayanad’s development needs. “The people in Wayanad require progress, and the Congress hasn’t delivered. The residents now deserve an MP who will address their issues, not just visit occasionally,” she stated.

Haridas also expressed her gratitude towards the BJP for trusting her with the candidacy, adding that she is determined to work closely with the people of Wayanad.

The announcement came shortly after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) began its campaign for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who will make her electoral debut in this by-election. “The people who supported Rahul Gandhi are poised to give Priyanka a historic majority,” said AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has also entered the race, fielding senior leader Sathyan Mokeri as the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for the by-poll.

In addition to Haridas’ nomination, the BJP has released its list of candidates for Assembly by-elections in multiple states, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Ramakant Bhargava will run from Budhni, the seat vacated by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Priyanka Gandhi to file nomination for Wayanad by-election on October 23

The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently announced that the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election will take place on November 13, with Priyanka Gandhi set to file her nomination on October 23, accompanied by her brother, Rahul Gandhi. The Congress is planning a grand roadshow in Kalpetta to mark Priyanka’s debut in the electoral arena, similar to the receptions held for Rahul in previous elections.