Our Political Desk
The upcoming bypoll in Wayanad, scheduled for November 13, has turned into a high-stakes political contest. The seat, previously held by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, became vacant after he chose to retain Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh following the 2024 general elections.
Rahul’s selection of Wayanad as a “safe” seat in 2024 reflects the constituency’s distinct demographic composition and political inclinations, particularly among minority voters.
However, the dynamics in Wayanad are shifting as Priyanka Gandhi now steps in as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate. She faces challenges from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), making this election a critical test for her and the Congress.
Wayanad has been a Congress stronghold with significant support from minority voters, especially Muslims, who traditionally backed Left parties. However, when Rahul Gandhi contested from Wayanad in 2024, this voter base consolidated in favour of the Congress, leading to a resounding win. Although the Congress and Left parties are allies at the national level, Kerala’s state politics create a competitive atmosphere between the Congress-led UDF and the Left’s LDF.
This ongoing rivalry raises the stakes in this bypoll, and a win for Congress could reinforce its influence in Kerala and provide momentum for the upcoming state assembly elections.
The BJP, traditionally a minor force in Kerala, has been attempting to make inroads into the state. The 2018 Sabarimala temple controversy, which revolved around women’s entry into the temple and polarized Hindu voters, provided the BJP with a foothold in Kerala. The party capitalized on the ensuing debates to expand its reach among conservative voters and has made steady gains in the state, including Wayanad. Despite finishing third in past elections, the BJP’s vote share has increased, signalling growing support.
A devastating landslide on July 30 altered the socio-political landscape of Wayanad, leaving over 230 dead and hundreds displaced. The disaster prompted relief and rehabilitation efforts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally overseeing federal assistance. His intervention garnered appreciation among locals, potentially enhancing the BJP’s appeal. The RSS and BJP volunteers were active in relief efforts, possibly influencing perceptions about their role in supporting the community during crises.
However, criticism has arisen regarding the allocation and disbursement of relief funds.
Congress leaders allege that while promises were made by the central government, only Rs. 291.2 crore of the requested Rs. 2,000 crore in aid has been received. This limited financial support has caused frustration among affected residents and provided an opening for the Congress and LDF to challenge the BJP’s handling of the crisis.
The LDF has positioned itself as a defender of local interests, emphasizing its efforts to rehabilitate the displaced and framing its relief work as a model for other regions. LDF candidate Sathyan Mokeri visited landslide survivors and emphasized the Left government’s commitment to rehabilitation. He accused the BJP-led central government of failing to sufficiently support Wayanad’s recovery.
In contrast, BJP candidate Navya Haridas argues that it is the state government that has failed in distributing the aid effectively.
For voters in Wayanad, the primary issues revolve around rehabilitation and aid distribution.
The landslide devastated three villages, displacing approximately 800 families. Despite promises of relief, many survivors are still awaiting financial assistance, adequate housing, and death certificates for those missing. This unresolved crisis has sparked discontent and spurred local demands for accountability.
Housing and land acquisition are central challenges in the rehabilitation process. Although land was identified in several estates for new townships, legal disputes have stalled progress, leaving survivors in limbo.
These ongoing delays have frustrated the electorate, and their dissatisfaction may influence voting behaviour in the bypoll. Congress MLA T Siddique’s recent motion in the state assembly underscored the perceived gaps in relief efforts, accusing the BJP of ignoring Wayanad’s plight, which could further consolidate anti-BJP sentiment among locals.
Amid this debate, Priyanka Gandhi’s campaign has sought to leverage the emotional impact of the landslide tragedy. In an open letter to Wayanad’s residents, she recalled visiting the disaster sites with her brother Rahul and witnessing the suffering firsthand. Her appeal focuses on empathy and connection with the community, positioning her as a compassionate leader who understands Wayanad’s struggles.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s candidate Navya Haridas presents herself as a grassroots candidate who understands the issues affecting Wayanad’s residents. Haridas’ nativity and academic credentials appeal to Wayanad’s literate electorate, adding complexity to the electoral contest. Her criticism of the Left parties-led state government’s rehabilitation efforts reflects the BJP’s focus on accountability and promises of efficient governance.
Wayanad’s bypoll represents more than a battle for one Lok Sabha seat; it is a strategic contest with implications for the upcoming state assembly elections. A win for Priyanka Gandhi would reinforce the Congress’s influence in Kerala and bolster its image as a party that champions secular values and minority rights. Such a victory could also help the Congress reclaim lost ground in the state, setting the stage for a potential comeback in Kerala’s broader political landscape.
On the other hand, a strong performance by the BJP would mark a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to establish a foothold in Kerala, traditionally resistant to its brand of politics. By focusing on local issues and supporting disaster-stricken communities, the BJP hopes to win over new voters and challenge the Congress-Left monopoly in the state.
For the residents of Wayanad, this bypoll brings renewed attention to their immediate concerns, including the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and reliable support from elected leaders. The election serves as a reminder of the stakes involved—not only in terms of party politics but also in addressing the urgent needs of those affected by tragedy.
Hence, while Priyanka Gandhi may appear to have a strategic advantage due to the historical Congress support base in Wayanad, shifting political loyalties and recent events add complexity to her campaign. As political parties vie for control in Kerala, Wayanad’s bypoll outcome will likely reflect broader voter sentiments and signal potential shifts in the state’s political landscape.
