Who is Navya Haridas, the New Chief of Kerala BJP Mahila Morcha?
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Synopsis
Navya Haridas makes waves in Kerala politics as she becomes the president of the BJP's Mahila Morcha. Her journey from a software engineer to a political candidate against Priyanka Gandhi showcases her determination and resilience. This appointment highlights her growing influence in the BJP and the party's strategic focus on upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Navya Haridas appointed as head of BJP's Mahila Morcha.
- Previously contested against Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad.
- Experienced two-term local body member.
- BJP aims to boost vote share in upcoming elections.
- Focus on empowering women in politics.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 23 (NationPress) Navya Haridas, who ran as the BJP candidate against AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi during the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election last November, has been appointed as the new president of the Kerala unit of the Mahila Morcha, the women's organization of the BJP, on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old Haridas, a software engineer by profession, made the significant decision to leave her well-paying job to join the BJP.
She first entered the political arena by contesting local body elections in 2015 for the Kozhikode Corporation from the Karaparambu division, where she won.
In 2020, she successfully defended her seat from the same division.
During the 2021 Assembly elections, she faced a setback in her campaign for the Kozhikode South Assembly constituency, securing only 20.84% of the votes.
Despite this, her profile rose significantly when she challenged Priyanka, eventually garnering 12% of the votes, although she lost by a substantial margin.
Interestingly, during the 2024 general elections, when Rahul Gandhi retained his Wayanad seat, the then State BJP president K. Surendran contested and achieved 13% of the votes.
When Haridas faced Priyanka, she came remarkably close to Surendran's results.
As a well-regarded two-term local body member, this new role is viewed as a recognition of her dedication and efforts.
This appointment coincides with a recent restructuring of the state BJP unit led by former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, which features a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience.
During his latest visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the state unit to focus on the upcoming local body elections in December, aiming for victories in two Corporations and ten municipalities, while increasing the BJP's vote share to 25%, up from the current 16-17%.
Point of View
Navya Haridas's appointment as the head of the Kerala BJP Mahila Morcha signifies a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its grassroots presence. Her journey reflects a commitment to public service and highlights the party's effort to empower women in politics. This development is crucial for the BJP's ambitions in the region, especially with upcoming elections on the horizon.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Navya Haridas's political background?
Navya Haridas has been actively involved in politics since 2015, winning local body elections and contesting in the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election against Priyanka Gandhi.
What is the Mahila Morcha?
The Mahila Morcha is the women's wing of the BJP, aimed at empowering women and increasing their participation in politics.
What are the upcoming elections the BJP is focusing on?
The BJP is targeting local body elections scheduled for December, with goals to increase their vote share significantly.
How did Navya perform in previous elections?
Navya secured wins in local body elections and garnered 12% of the votes when contesting against Priyanka Gandhi, showcasing her political viability.
Who is leading the Kerala BJP unit?
The Kerala BJP unit is currently led by former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who has recently restructured the state committee.
