The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said that it was painful to see people who have lost family members and homes in the massive landslides that hit Wayanad and termed it a national disaster.
Congress MP Gandhi said, “Today, I feel how I felt when my father died. Here people have not just lost a father but an entire family. We all owe these people respect and affection. The whole nation’s attention is towards Wayanad.”
Gandhi, a former MP from Wayanad, said it was a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, Kerala, and the nation. “To me, this is a national disaster for sure, but let’s see what the government says,” he said in response to reporters’ queries.
Both Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide-hit Chooralmala area of Wayanad on Thursday. Vadra spoke along similar lines, saying the pain people in the area were experiencing was unimaginable.
“We are here to help them and to give as much support and comfort as we can.” she said. Both of them were speaking to media after visiting the landslide-affected area of Chooralmala, a hospital and community health centre in Meppadi, and two relief camps.
After visiting the landslide-hit spot, Gandhi in a Facebook post said witnessing the scenes of disaster and tragedy deeply pained his heart. “In these difficult times, Priyanka and I stand with the people of Wayanad. We are closely monitoring the relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided. The UDF is committed to extending all possible support.
“The repeated incidents of landslides and natural calamities are extremely concerning. A comprehensive action plan is urgently needed,” he said in his post. After reaching Chooralmala, Gandhi and his sister crossed the temporary wooden walkway built there, witnessed the construction of the Bailey Bridge, and walked around the area, braving the rain and muddy terrain.
“LoP Shri @RahulGandhi & AICC General Secretary Smt.@priyankagandhi ji visited the Chooralmala landslide site in Wayanad where devastating landslides have claimed many lives and left families devastated.” Congress said on social media platform X and shared photographs of the visit.
