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Synopsis

The Kerala High Court is set to hear in January 2025, a petition challenging the election of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. The petition has been filed by BJP candidate Navya Haridas, who came third in the bypoll, conducted in November 2024.

Haridas, represented by Advocate Hari Kumar G. Nair, accused Vadra of suppression of material facts and violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 for failing to make a full and accurate disclosure of assets and liabilities in her nomination papers. The petitioner claims that Vadra provided misleading information regarding her personal and family wealth, calling into question the legitimacy of her election victory. Vadra had defeated CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri by approximately five lakh votes in the bypoll, which was held after Rahul Gandhi vacated the Wayanad seat to retain Rae Bareli.

The petition also alleges undue influence on voters and corrupt practices during the election campaign. BJP leaders claim their earlier complaints to the Election Commission regarding these discrepancies were not adequately addressed, prompting them to approach the High Court.

According to her election affidavit, Vadra declared total assets exceeding Rs 12 crore, including movable assets worth Rs 4.24 crore and immovable properties valued at Rs 7.74 crore. Her declared assets include a residential house in Shimla worth Rs 5.63 crore, inherited agricultural land in Delhi’s Mehrauli, and gold worth over Rs 1.15 crore. For her husband, Robert Vadra, the affidavit lists movable assets of over Rs 37.9 crore and immovable assets valued at over Rs 27.64 crore.

The High Court is scheduled to consider the matter in January after the court's winter recess.

 

[With inputs from PTI]