The recent Wayanad landslide, claiming eight lives and displacing many, has become a point of contention between the BJP and Congress. The BJP criticized the Gandhis, particularly Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for not visiting the affected area even a week after the tragedy. In response, Congress defended the Gandhis’ decision, stating that VIP visits could hinder relief efforts.
Several BJP representatives accused the Gandhis of neglecting Wayanad, labeling them as “part-time politicians” and criticizing their absence from the site. BJP’s C.R. Kesavan described Wayanad as a mere political tool for the Congress’ first family, highlighting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s alleged neglect of the constituency.
The BJP continued its criticism, with spokespersons like Shehzad Poonawala and Tuhin Sinha accusing the Gandhis of a “use-and-throw model” and being “political tourists.” In contrast, Congress’s Pawan Khera defended the Gandhis, arguing that VIP visits were unnecessary as the Kerala government was actively managing relief efforts in Wayanad.
Pawan Khera emphasized that VIP visits should only occur to highlight gaps in relief measures if the government is insensitive to victims’ needs. The absence of Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad post-landslide has sparked debates, with critics questioning their commitment to the constituency.
