The Kerala High Court has issued summons to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in response to an election petition filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Navya Haridas, challenging the outcome of the 2024 Wayanad Lok Sabha bypolls.
The petition, heard by Justice K Babu, seeks annulment of Gandhi’s electoral victory on allegations of suppressing key asset details in her nomination affidavit. The court issued notice to Gandhi after hearing arguments presented by Advocate Hari Kumar G Nair, appearing on behalf of Haridas.
Allegations of Suppressed Disclosures
According to the petition, Haridas has accused Priyanka Gandhi of engaging in corrupt practices by concealing information related to several immovable properties owned by her and her husband, Robert Vadra. It is further alleged that Gandhi failed to disclose details of Vadra’s movable assets and investments in her affidavit submitted to the Returning Officer.
Haridas contends that these omissions constitute a serious breach of electoral norms and has urged the court to declare Gandhi’s election as null and void. The case is now scheduled for further hearing in August 2025.
Background of the Case
The by-election to the Wayanad constituency was held on November 13, 2024, after sitting MP Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested and won the election, defeating CPI candidate Sathyan Mokeri by a margin of 4,10,931 votes. BJP’s Navya Haridas was also a candidate in the triangular contest.
In December 2024, Haridas approached the Kerala High Court with a petition seeking an annulment of the poll, alleging that Gandhi had undue influence on voters and failed to make full disclosures in her nomination papers.
