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The upcoming by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala promises a captivating contest between two prominent figures: Priyanka Gandhi, representing the Congress party, and Navya Haridas, the BJP's candidate. Both women are graduates and are contesting the Lok Sabha elections for the first time, though Navya has prior experience with local body and assembly polls in the state.
Priyanka Gandhi, a prominent member of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, is known for her political activism and her role in various Congress campaigns. She has served as the party's General Secretary, overseeing the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, and later the entire state. While her tenure has not been marked by significant electoral success, she brings with her a lineage steeped in Indian politics and the weight of her family's legacy.
Navya Haridas, a young and relatively new entrant into the political arena, boasts a different background. She has served as a councilor in the Kozhikode Corporation, representing the BJP, and has also contested the Kozhikode South Assembly constituency. This experience, though at the local level, gives her a platform to showcase her abilities and connect with the electorate.
The candidates' financial declarations offer a glimpse into their personal wealth and sources of income. Priyanka Gandhi, according to her affidavit, has declared assets worth over Rs 12 crore, including movable assets and immovable assets. Her income in 2023-2024 was over Rs 46.39 lakh, derived from rents, interest, and investments. In contrast, Navya Haridas has declared assets worth over Rs 45 lakh, with her husband, Shobin Shyam, holding assets worth over Rs 1 crore. The BJP candidate's income comes from the corporation honorarium, while her husband's earnings stem from his job as a Mechanical Engineer.
The Wayanad seat has consistently favored the Congress party in the past four Lok Sabha polls, with M. I. Shanavas and Rahul Gandhi emerging victorious. This upcoming election, however, presents a unique opportunity for the BJP to make inroads into the region, particularly with Navya Haridas representing their aspirations. The contest will be a test of both candidates' strategies, their ability to connect with the voters, and the political climate in the state.
The results of this by-election will have far-reaching consequences, impacting the political landscape in Kerala and the national scene. It remains to be seen whether Priyanka Gandhi can capitalize on her family's legacy and political experience or if Navya Haridas can leverage her local connections and enthusiasm to secure a victory for the BJP. The electorate will have the final say, determining the future of the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.
Source: Wayanad Contestants Head-To-Head: Wealth, Education Of Priyanka Gandhi, Navya Haridas