Amit Bhatia
In the wake of devastating floods and landslides that ravaged the Wayanad district of Kerala, the political landscape has become a battleground of accusations and counter-accusations. The spotlight is on Rahul Gandhi, the former Member of Parliament from Wayanad, who is facing scrutiny over his handling of the disaster and its aftermath.
The Wayanad district, known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, has been grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that triggered massive landslides and flooding. The disaster has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad seat in the 2019 general elections, has been criticized for his perceived lack of action and presence in the constituency during his tenure as MP. Critics argue that as the elected representative, he should have been more proactive in addressing the ecological concerns that had been highlighted in multiple reports and studies following the 2018 floods. In a scathing attack, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya accused Gandhi of failing to raise the issue of landslides and floods even once in the Assembly and Parliament during his 1,800 days as the MP from Wayanad. Surya also pointed out that the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority had recommended relocating 4,000 families from landslide-prone areas in Wayanad in 2020, but the issue was allegedly ignored by the Congress party.
On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi, along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad, met criticism with locals accusing him of being more interested in photo ops and disrupting relief efforts for political narratives than in providing real assistance to the affected people.
The Wayanad floods and landslides have once again brought to the forefront the issue of political accountability and the role of elected representatives in times of crisis. While Rahul Gandhi has faced criticism for his perceived inaction, it is also important to acknowledge the complexities of disaster management and the need for a coordinated effort by all stakeholders.
As the people of Wayanad struggle to rebuild their lives, the political fallout from the disaster will continue to be a topic of debate and discussion. The Wayanad floods have not only highlighted the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters but also the need for effective disaster management and political leadership in times of crisis.
