Priyanka accuses BJP of ‘politicising’ landslide disaster in Wayanad

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress candidate for the byelection to the Lok Sabha from the Wayanad constituency, waves to her supporters during a roadshow in Wayanad.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Stepping up her attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress leader and United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha byelection, on Monday accused the BJP of “politicising” the landslides that struck this hill district on July 30, killing and displacing many residents.

Kicking off her second day of campaigning for the bypoll, she addressed a corner meeting at Kenichira in the Sulthan Bathery Assembly constituency.

“Even a disaster that caused immense pain to people is politicised by the BJP. And this is where we start today. We stand in a place where you must think about your country, your own needs, and the kind of politics you want in our nation,” the Congress general secretary remarked.

Taking a dig at the saffron party, Ms. Vadra said the BJP’s politics, “which is spreading across the country, is characterised by hatred, anger, divisiveness, and destruction.” Real issues facing the people are being overlooked, and their problems remain unresolved. Unemployment is at an all-time high and prices are continually rising, with no indication of a halt, she added.

“Politics is not focussed on resolving these issues. The BJP’s politics is solely aimed at distracting you from your problems, because its only aim is to remain in power, no matter the cost,” Ms. Vadra said.

She also accused the BJP-led central government of ‘failing’ to distribute necessary funds to help families affected by the massive landslides.

“If you give me the chance to represent you in Parliament, I will show you that I can work harder than anyone else for you. I will voice your issues everywhere. I will fight for you and put pressure on both the State and central governments. You will have a tough fighter by your side who does not back down when your needs are at stake,” Priyanka added.

The Congress leader resumed her second phase of campaigning on Sunday, holding public and corner meetings in the hill constituency alongside her brother, Rahul Gandhi.

Making her electoral debut, Priyanka Gandhi, will be in Kerala until November 7, according to her campaign itinerary. She plans to hold corner meetings in four additional locations, within the Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery assembly constituencies, on Monday.

The by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat became necessary after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Lok Sabha polls from both Wayanad and Raebareli, decided to vacate the Wayanad seat.

Voting in Wayanad will be held on November 13.