The Wayanad by-election, held on November 13, 2024, sees Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of Congress leading against BJP’s Navya Haridas by a significant margin of 24,000 votes in the latest early trends. Both candidates emphasized development and grassroots initiatives during their campaigns, aiming to appeal to voters across rural and urban areas.
Campaign Highlights:
The election witnessed a robust battle, with Priyanka Gandhi focusing on Congress’s vision for development and Navya Haridas advocating for the NDA’s promise of progress. Haridas criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for choosing to retain his Rae Bareli seat over Wayanad after his 2019 victory, claiming it reflected poorly on the party’s commitment to the constituency.
Public and Candidate Reactions:
- Robert Vadra: Expressed hope for Priyanka’s victory, sharing his wishes on social media.
- Navya Haridas: Urged voters to choose the NDA for development, highlighting reduced voter turnout and post-landslide recovery challenges in the region.
Additional Notes:
The Wayanad election is closely watched for its implications on the region’s political future. Voter turnout was notably affected by the aftermath of a devastating landslide in July, with survivors experiencing emotional reunions at polling booths.