Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Sunday made an appeal for Wayanad, which recently witnessed massive landslides that killed over 400 people. The Congress leader emphasised that the tragedy affected only a part of the district and that Wayanad remains a beautiful tourist destination, encouraging people to visit.
Rahul Gandhi represented Wayanad in the Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress leader again won from the Wayanad constituency but chose to retain his alternative seat, Rae Bareli.
He made the appeal during a virtual meeting with some Congress leaders from Kerala and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who is set to contest the bypoll from the constituency.
In a social media post sharing a video of the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said it is imperative to make a concerted effort to revitalise tourism in Wayanad.
“It is important to note that the landslide was localised to a specific area in Wayanad, not the entire region. Wayanad remains a stunning destination and will soon be ready to welcome tourists from across India and the world with all its natural charm,” he said.
The Congress MP noted that the tourism sector is a key area that would be pivotal in rebuilding the lives of people in the northern Kerala district.
“There is one crucial aspect I wish to highlight that will greatly aid the people of Wayanadâtourism. Once the rains cease, it is imperative that we make a concerted effort to revitalise tourism in the area and encourage people to visit,” he said.
In the meeting, Rahul Gandhi enquired the Congress leaders about the status of relief and rehabilitation work in Wayanad, and they informed him about various necessities, including housing, jobs, livelihood options, and mental support, among others.
After listening to the leaders, he said, “There are four-five things we need to put pressure on – inter-departmental coordination on relief and rehabilitation, inadequate compensation, rent issue that I have raised, many people have lost livelihood, and finally the impact on tourism.
“While there is still much to be done, it is heartening to witness people from all communities and organisations coming together in relief efforts,” he wrote on X.
Gandhi stressed, “As we have done in the past, let us come together once again to support our brothers and sisters in beautiful Wayanad”.
Over 400 people have lost their lives as three back-to-back landslides hit the Meppadi area of Wayanad on July 30. Many are still missing, and hundreds have been moved to temporary accommodation provided by the state government.
