On July 7, a landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, resulted in the loss of eight lives and displaced many, sparking a row between the BJP and Congress. The BJP has criticized the Gandhis, particularly Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the current MP for Wayanad, for not visiting the constituency even a week after the disaster. BJP national spokesperson C.R. Kesavan stated that Wayanad is being used as a political pawn by the Congress’ first family, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra neglecting the constituency like an absentee landlord. Other BJP spokespersons, including Shehzad Poonawala and Tuhin Sinha, have also slammed the Gandhi siblings, calling them ‘part-time politicians’ and accusing them of a ‘use and throw model’. In response, Congress media and publicity chairman Pawan Khera defended the decision not to visit, saying that VIP visits can hinder relief work and are only necessary to highlight gaps in government support. Khera argued that the Kerala government is actively providing relief measures, making a VIP visit unnecessary. The landslide, which occurred near Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi, was triggered by heavy rainfall, burying local infrastructure and trapping construction workers. The BJP’s criticism comes as the Congress defends its representatives’ actions, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News