The political battle for Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency heated up on Wednesday, as BJP candidate Navya Haridas carried out an intensive door-to-door campaign in Mukkam, while Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a massive roadshow in Kalpetta ahead of filing her nomination papers.
Navya Haridas, who started her campaign three days ago with a roadshow, emphasised her commitment to staying engaged with the voters in Wayanad. Speaking about Priyanka Gandhi's presence, Haridas remarked, "Today, she is filing her nomination, and we see it as just a temporary surge. Once the filing is over, she will leave. But I promise to be with the people of Wayanad for the next five years." The BJP candidate underscored that her campaign is in "full swing" and has been receiving a "very positive response" from the local residents.
Haridas is set to file her nomination on Thursday, October 24, at 12 PM. Confident about the public's reception, she noted that beyond her party's supporters, she was also receiving a warm welcome from other sections of the electorate.
Meanwhile, Kalpetta witnessed a sea of supporters for Priyanka Gandhi's roadshow, which saw thousands of Congress workers and leaders from the United Democratic Front (UDF) throng the streets. Accompanied by her mother Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi’s visit marked her first direct entry into electoral politics, drawing significant attention.
Her rally is seen as a crucial effort by the Congress to maintain its hold on the constituency, which Rahul Gandhi represented until vacating it to retain Amethi.
The bypoll for Wayanad is shaping up to be a three-way contest between Priyanka Gandhi, the LDF’s Sathyan Mokeri, and the BJP’s Navya Haridas. The Congress hopes that Priyanka’s presence will resonate with the electorate, while the BJP is focusing on grassroots campaigning to sway the voters.
As Priyanka takes the spotlight with her roadshow, the BJP is banking on Haridas’ local outreach and promises of a long-term commitment to the constituency.