Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has secured a massive lead of nearly 34,000 votes in the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-poll as of the latest updates. The by-election saw competition between Priyanka Gandhi, CPI candidate Sathyan Mokeri, and BJP’s Navya Haridas. Key details surrounding the election include:
Key Updates:
- Vote Tally (9:30 PM):
- Priyanka Gandhi (Congress): Massive lead with almost 34,000 votes.
- Sathyan Mokeri (CPI): 12,714 votes.
- Navya Haridas (BJP): 5,995 votes.
- Turnout & Context:
- Voter turnout was recorded at 64.72%, the lowest in Wayanad since its formation in 2009.
- This reduction in turnout has been attributed to dissatisfaction in the region, including concerns following the devastating landslides earlier this year.
Campaign Highlights and Allegations:
- CPI’s Criticism: Sathyan Mokeri accused Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi of neglecting the constituency post-elections. He raised concerns about their commitment to addressing Wayanad’s issues, including farmer welfare and recovery efforts after the landslides.
- BJP’s Claims: Navya Haridas criticized Rahul Gandhi for “abandoning” Wayanad after retaining his Rae Bareli seat, while also highlighting broader dissatisfaction and concerns over unresolved local issues.
Disaster and Relief Efforts:
- Impact of Landslides: Over 400 people were killed, and 150 went missing in massive landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall on July 30.
- The Kerala High Court is overseeing relief measures, with ₹153 crore allocated by the Centre, but concerns remain over delays in additional funding.
Other Candidates:
- Sathyan Mokeri (CPI): A seasoned grassroots politician, Mokeri has served as a three-time MLA and holds a leadership role in the All India Kisan Sabha.
- Navya Haridas (BJP): A mechanical engineer with a B-Tech degree, Haridas is an emerging leader with no criminal record and moderate assets of ₹1.3 crore.
Political Implications:
Priyanka Gandhi’s commanding lead not only solidifies Congress’s position in Wayanad but also strengthens her role within the party alongside Rahul Gandhi. Congress leader Sachin Pilot has remarked that Priyanka’s presence in Parliament could pose significant challenges for the BJP.
Despite the INDIA bloc collaboration at the national level, CPI and Congress remain competitors in Kerala, underscoring the unique political landscape of the state.
