Sun Oct 20 06:01:09 UTC 2024: Important points from the news article on Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections:

1. **Candidate Announcement**: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Navya Haridas as its candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections in Kerala.

2. **Key Contender**: Navya Haridas will be contesting against senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has been declared the candidate for the seat previously held by Rahul Gandhi.

3. **Election Schedule**: The Election Commission of India has set the polling date for November 13, with results to be declared on November 23.

4. **Background of Navya Haridas**:
– A mechanical engineer with a B.Tech degree from KMCET Engineering College, she previously contested in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections but faced defeat.
– She serves as a councilor in Kozhikode and is the state general secretary of the BJP Women’s Wing.
– According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), she has no criminal cases against her and owns assets worth ₹1,29,56,264 with liabilities of ₹1,64,978.

5. **Importance of the Election**: This by-election is significant as it involves prominent figures, with Priyanka Gandhi being a key representative for Congress, and Navya portraying a youthful option for the BJP.

6. **Competitors**: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has also nominated CPI leader Satyen Mokery for the by-elections.

7. **Wider Election Context**: The Wayanad by-elections coincide with assembly by-elections across eight states, including significant contests in Assam, Bihar, and Karnataka.

In summary, the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections are set to be a contested battle primarily between BJP’s Navya Haridas and Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi, with both parties aiming to capture the attention of young voters and strengthen their political positions.

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