Kerala Political Twist: Navya Haridas Files Election Petition Against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra – HC Issues Summons
BJP's Navya Haridas Challenges Priyanka Gandhi’s Election
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Navya Haridas, who contested the 2024 Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election, has filed an election petition in the Kerala High Court against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, challenging her victory. The petition was admitted by the court after hearing preliminary arguments, and Justice K Babu has issued summons to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Grounds of Petition: Alleged Corrupt Practices and Asset Non-Disclosure
In her plea, Navya Haridas alleges that Priyanka Gandhi engaged in “corrupt practices” and failed to disclose multiple movable and immovable assets, including investments and properties owned by her and her husband, Robert Vadra, in the affidavit submitted during her nomination process.
The petition contends that this lack of transparency violates key provisions under election law and seeks the annulment of the poll results.
Legal Representation and Proceedings
Haridas is represented by Advocate Hari Kumar G Nair, who submitted all affidavits and supporting documents before the Kerala High Court. The court, after hearing the submission, found the petition maintainable and has directed that a summons be issued to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The case is now officially posted for hearing in August 2025.
Timeline of Events
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November 13, 2024: Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election was held after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat.
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December 2024: Navya Haridas filed a petition seeking an annulment of Priyanka Gandhi’s election victory.
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June 2025: The Kerala High Court admitted the petition and issued summons after initial scrutiny.
Allegations of Voter Influence
The petition also raises questions about alleged undue influence on voters, suggesting that Priyanka Gandhi’s campaign may have misled the electorate by suppressing material information and potentially violating the model code of conduct.
Congress Responds: Dismisses Petition as 'Cheap Publicity'
In response to the petition, Congress leaders have criticised Navya Haridas, calling the move “an act of cheap publicity.” In December, Congress spokesperson Tiwari stated,
“Some people have the habit of doing cheap publicity. One such person is Navya Haridas. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra won the elections with a margin of 4-5 lakh votes.”
Priyanka Gandhi’s Electoral Victory
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emerged victorious in the bypolls, defeating CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri by a massive margin of 4,10,931 votes. Wayanad, a known Congress bastion, saw a triangular contest between Gandhi, BJP’s Navya Haridas, and CPI’s Mokeri.
What’s Next?
With the election petition now formally admitted, all eyes are on the August 2025 hearing, which may prove critical in assessing the validity of the affidavit, the scope of alleged suppression, and its impact on democratic processes.
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