Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 13: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday criticised Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his absence from rain-ravaged Wayanad, questioning why he had not visited the region during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Addressing a press conference, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and senior spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi alleged that Rahul Gandhi, who previously represented Wayanad in the Lok Sabha, had remained away despite the district facing widespread destruction caused by heavy monsoon rains and landslides.

Trivedi said Rahul Gandhi had often spoken about his commitment to the people of Wayanad and questioned why neither he nor his sister, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had reached the affected area when residents were dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in recent years.

He also pointed out that Kerala is governed by a state administration supported by the Congress and claimed the party leaders should have been more visible during the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Wayanad has witnessed extensive damage following days of intense rainfall, with landslides claiming lives, destroying homes and disrupting normal life. Rescue operations involving state authorities and central agencies are continuing in the affected areas.

The BJP spokesperson alleged that the Gandhi siblings had projected a close relationship with the people of Wayanad in the past but had failed to stand with them during the current crisis.

Trivedi further claimed that Rahul Gandhi had visited Wayanad after previous disasters but questioned his absence this time, alleging that the Congress leader had remained out of public view when the district required support.

He also took aim at the Congress leadership, questioning Rahul Gandhi's whereabouts during the crisis and alleging that he was prioritising political activities over addressing the concerns of people affected by the disaster in Kerala.