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The upcoming by-elections in Wayanad, a constituency situated on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, have seen a surge in political activity, with key candidates filing their nominations. The bypolls, scheduled for November 13th, were necessitated by the resignation of Rahul Gandhi, who chose to retain his Raebareli seat in the Lok Sabha. The constituency, which has previously been a stronghold for the Congress, is now witnessing a multi-pronged political battle, with the LDF, BJP, and Congress vying for victory.
The LDF, led by the CPI(M), has fielded Sathyan Mokeri, a seasoned politician who had previously contested from Wayanad in 2014 and provided a strong challenge to the then incumbent MP and UDF candidate, MI Shanavas. Mokeri's nomination was accompanied by a roadshow led by CPI leaders Binoy Viswam and Annie Raja, highlighting the LDF's determination to secure the seat. The LDF is hopeful that Mokeri's experience and popularity within the region will translate into a successful campaign.
The BJP, aiming to increase its presence in Kerala, has put forward Navya Haridas, a B Tech graduate with overseas experience, as its candidate. Haridas, a municipal councillor in Kozhikode, brings a fresh perspective to the campaign and is looking to capitalize on the growing support for the BJP in the state. Her nomination was accompanied by former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan and other BJP leaders, signifying the party's commitment to the bypolls.
Meanwhile, the Congress, seeking to retain its hold on Wayanad, has nominated Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the party's general secretary, as its candidate. Vadra, along with her brother Rahul Gandhi, led a road show in Kalpetta prior to filing her nomination, highlighting the party's focus on winning the bypolls. The Congress hopes to leverage its established presence in the constituency and capitalize on the popularity of the Gandhi family in Kerala.
The Wayanad bypolls are likely to be closely watched by political observers, as they represent a significant opportunity for the LDF, BJP, and Congress to make gains in the state. With the constituency boasting a significant voter base of approximately 1.46 million, the race is set to be intense and the outcome will have implications for the political landscape in Kerala. The bypolls also present a chance for the BJP to consolidate its position in the state and for the Congress to demonstrate its resilience in a challenging political climate.
Source: Wayanad: LDF's Sathyan Mokeri, BJP's Navya Haridas file nominations