BJP councillor Navya Haridas expressed her surprise at receiving a ticket for the high-profile Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. She will face Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the upcoming election.
“I got an official confirmation only after my ticket was announced on news channels,” Navya shared with The Indian Express. “I had a hint that my name was included in the list of probable candidates, but I did not expect to be picked.”
Navya, 39, currently serves as a councillor in the Kozhikode municipal corporation and is the state general secretary of the BJP’s mahila morcha, or women’s wing.
Her journey into politics has been unconventional. An engineering graduate, Navya initially worked as a software professional with HSBC Bank for two and a half years. In 2009, she married marine engineer Shobin Shyam and moved to Singapore, where she continued her career in various software firms.
Navya’s family has long been associated with the Sangh Parivar. Growing up, she often saw RSS meetings held in her family home in Kozhikode. She recalls participating in RSS student activities, but she never envisioned a political career.
Everything changed during a trip back to Kozhikode in 2015. “I had returned for a short vacation with my children. It was election time, and the BJP approached me with a ticket due to my family’s Sangh Parivar background,” she explained. The party fielded her from the general seat in the municipal corporation. “Overnight, I became the candidate. My plan was to return to Singapore if I lost,” she added.
However, Navya never returned to her corporate life. She won her first election in 2015 and successfully retained her seat in 2020. Her unexpected rise in politics showcases the shifting dynamics within the BJP, especially in a constituency that has traditionally leaned towards the Congress party.
Navya’s Candidacy, a Bold Move
As the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll approaches, Navya’s candidacy is viewed as a bold move by the BJP to challenge the political status quo in the region. With Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as her opponent, the contest is set to be highly competitive and closely watched.
Navya’s background in technology and her grassroots political experience position her uniquely for this election. Her supporters highlight her ability to connect with the youth and her commitment to women’s empowerment.
“I aim to represent the voices of the people of Wayanad. I want to bring issues affecting women and youth to the forefront,” she stated.
With her unexpected nomination, Navya Haridas is ready to embark on this new chapter in her political career. As she prepares for the battle ahead, her journey from software professional to politician exemplifies the unpredictable nature of politics and the opportunities it can create.
The people of Wayanad will soon see how Navya’s story unfolds as she campaigns against a formidable opponent like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain, but Navya is determined to make her mark.
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