BJP Criticizes Gandhi Siblings for Absence After Wayanad Landslide

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of failing to visit Wayanad following a deadly landslide on July 7. The disaster occurred at the Anakkampoyil–Meppadi tunnel project site near Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi, killing eight people and displacing many others.

BJP leaders characterized the siblings as "political tourists" and "part-time politicians," alleging they treat the constituency as a political pawn for survival. Amit Malviya, BJP IT Cell chief, stated that empathy is measured by standing with victims during crises rather than appearing only before elections. Additionally, the BJP noted that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been absent from public view for 20 days, coinciding with the postponement of a "Chhatron Ki Goonj" event in Prayagraj.

In response, Indian National Congress media and publicity chairman Pawan Khera defended the leaders' absence. Khera argued that VIP visits can disrupt active relief measures underway by the Kerala government and should only occur to flag gaps if the government response is insensitive or inadequate. Tuhin Sinha of the BJP countered by questioning what steps the Gandhis took since 2019 to address the environmental vulnerability of the eco-sensitive region.