BJP slams Gandhi family for ‘political tourism’ amid Kerala landslide tragedy

When the rain‑soaked hills of Wayanad in Kerala gave way on Tuesday, a landslide claimed at least 17 lives and left six people missing. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the state, prompting calls for immediate rescue and relief.

Amid the grief, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the moment to launch a scathing attack on the Congress leadership. In a series of statements, senior BJP leaders alleged that Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were conspicuously absent from the disaster zone, dubbing their silence a textbook example of “political tourism.”

“While the people of Wayanad are battling loss, the Congress leaders are busy on a political tour elsewhere,” one party spokesperson said, his tone a mix of frustration and calculation. “They should be on the ground, not perched on a distant stage.”

The BJP’s narrative didn’t stop at criticism. It also urged the central and state governments to expedite rescue operations, supply relief material, and ensure that families of the victims receive proper compensation. “Our priority is the people, not point‑scoring,” the party added, trying to shift the focus back to concrete action.

On the other side, the Gandhi family’s camp has remained relatively quiet. Neither Rahul nor Priyanka has taken to social media to comment on the landslide, a silence that the BJP argues speaks louder than words. Critics, however, point out that political leaders often juggle multiple responsibilities, and an immediate physical presence may not always be feasible.

Local officials, meanwhile, are grappling with the logistical nightmare of rescuing survivors and clearing debris. The landslide, triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rains, has cut off several villages, leaving roads washed away and electricity flickering. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state police are on the ground, working around the clock.

Families of the deceased have gathered at community centers, clutching photographs of loved ones and waiting for answers. “We just want help, not political point‑scoring,” an anguished father said, his voice trembling.

As the days pass, the political back‑and‑forth is likely to continue. Whether the BJP’s accusations will translate into any substantive policy shift or relief effort remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that the people of Wayanad need more than slogans—they need hands, resources, and a genuine commitment to rebuilding their lives.