Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra intensified her campaign for the Wayanad bypoll on Tuesday saying that she will advocate for the issues facing Wayanad in Parliament.
Speaking at a corner meeting at Eengapuzha in Wayanad, Priyanka said, “I will not let you down.”
The Congress general secretary also expressed gratitude for the support given to her brother, Rahul Gandhi, during his time in Wayanad. “I and my family are indebted to the people of Wayanad for supporting and voting for my brother at a time when a massive campaign was launched to tarnish his image,” she said.
This bypoll marks Priyanka’s electoral debut, as she faces LDF veteran Sathyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas, a two-time Kozhikode Corporation councillor. The election is set for November 13, following Rahul Gandhi’s vacating of the seat after winning in the Rai Bareli constituency in recent parliamentary elections.
She emphasised the strong bond of love and trust between Rahul Gandhi and the people of Wayanad, stating that he was saddened to leave the constituency.
Priyanka also accused the BJP-led central government of neglecting rehabilitation efforts in landslide-hit areas of the hill district by failing to provide necessary funds.
Priyanka criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, saying its actions reflect a lack of respect for the people and the nation, evident in its policies over the past decade. Speaking at a corner meeting in Eengapuzha, she remarked, “The Modi government has displayed complete disrespect for the people of India. If you lose respect for the people, you lose respect for the country.”
She highlighted the landslides in Wayanad, noting that although the Prime Minister visited the district, promised assistance, and interacted with affected residents, the central government has not delivered any funds for rehabilitation.
Priyanka accused the Modi administration of prioritising the interests of a few business allies over the needs of the populace. “Policies, including demonetisation, of the Modi government always favour five to six business friends of the prime minister and do not benefit the people,” she said.
The Congress leader also expressed concern over the government’s neglect of farmers and tribal communities, alleging that it has allocated land to large corporations instead of addressing public needs. She stated that critical areas such as employment, education, and healthcare have been overlooked.
Priyanka addressed the ongoing violence in Manipur, where ethnic strife has resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of displaced individuals since May. She described the approach to remaining in power as “wrong politics.”
In a post on the social media platform X, she reaffirmed Wayanad’s commitment to shared values. “Wayanad has always stood for our shared values – social harmony, secularism, and justice – values our Constitution holds dear. I promise to uphold these ideals and to dedicate myself fully to Wayanad’s progress and wellbeing,” she wrote.