New Delhi: Senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Sathyan Mokeri has been announced as the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for the upcoming Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll. The decision was made public by CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam on Thursday.
Mokeri, a former MLA from the Nadapuram constituency in Kozhikode district, is well-regarded for his contributions to agricultural issues. He previously contested the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in 2014, where he significantly reduced the Congress candidate’s margin of victory. His campaign for the bypoll is set to be launched on Friday.
CPI highlights Mokeri’s leadership and connection with farmers
Viswam highlighted Mokeri’s leadership and connection to the farming community, emphasising that his candidacy comes at a time when farmers across the country are protesting for their rights.
The byelection, set for November 13, was necessitated after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat following his victory in both Wayanad and Rae Bareli constituencies in the 2024 general election. Rahul chose to retain Rae Bareli, prompting the need for a bypoll in Wayanad.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is Congress candidate
In a strategic move, the Congress has fielded Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the Wayanad seat, marking her electoral debut. The constituency, previously represented by Rahul, is seen as a Congress stronghold, with Rahul winning by a margin of 3.6 lakh votes in the 2024 general election, following his landslide victory in 2019.
The Election Commission has scheduled the Wayanad bypoll for November 13, with results expected on November 23. The contest between Mokeri and Priyanka Gandhi is set to be closely watched as the CPI and Congress, allies in the opposition INDIA bloc, face off in this high-profile election.
