Congress MP from Amethi, Rahul Gandhi, visited the calamity-hit Wayanad district on Thursday and Friday, intending to assess the damage caused by recent landslides. However, his visit did not go as smoothly as planned. A video surfaced on social media showing that the Congress MP came under criticism from the locals, who alleged that Rahul’s presence was hindering the rescue operations.
In the video, a distressed local can be seen requesting the local Congress MLA accompanying Rahul Gandhi to allow him to speak with Rahul, who was inside his vehicle. The man insisted, “I only need a minute,” and attempted to engage with Rahul, who remained seated in the car.
The frustrated local then confronted Rahul Gandhi, exclaiming, “If he is worried about stepping out of the car into the mud, and getting his feet dirty, why did he come here? What is there for him to see?” Despite the man’s efforts, Rahul Gandhi avoided addressing his questions. The vehicle continued moving before eventually driving away, leaving the man to voice his anger in front of the local media.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Wayanad was significant as he was accompanied by his sister and fellow Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi. Rahul had represented the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency from 2019 to 2024 and had recently contested and won the seat again in the 2024 general elections. However, he chose to vacate the Wayanad seat to represent Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the media in Wayanad on Friday, Rahul Gandhi expressed his concern over the devastation in the area, saying, “Kerala has never witnessed a tragedy in one area as devastating as the one in Wayanad this time. I will raise this issue with both the Union and State Governments, as this tragedy demands a unique and urgent response.”
Rahul further emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to providing relief and rehabilitation to the affected residents. “Our immediate focus is on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. The Congress family is committed to building over 100 houses here. We are dedicated to ensuring that all possible assistance is provided to our brothers and sisters in this time of need,” he stated.
While Rahul Gandhi’s visit aimed to bring attention to the calamity and provide support, the criticism from the locals highlighted the challenges politicians often face in disaster-hit areas. The incident underscores the delicate balance between offering support and not disrupting ongoing rescue operations.
The criticism faced by Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Wayanad serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in disaster management and the importance of sensitive and effective leadership during such crises.
