The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its criticism of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during her campaign in Wayanad, Kerala, ahead of the upcoming by-election on November 13. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan branded her an “opportunist” and a “footloose political tourist,” asserting that the Gandhi family’s connection to the constituency has resulted in voter betrayal.
Kesavan highlighted the disillusionment of Wayanad voters stemming from Rahul Gandhi’s decision to vacate the seat earlier this year. “The voters of Wayanad have had a very bitter experience with the betrayal of Rahul Gandhi. They know that like her brother, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is unreliable, undependable, and untrustworthy,” he stated. He further accused the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of treating Wayanad as a “feudal political playground,” emphasizing that the local populace perceives no genuine concern from the Gandhis for their needs.
In contrast, Priyanka Gandhi sought to connect emotionally with the electorate. During her campaign, she recounted a touching encounter with a local resident whose mother was unwell. “I went to the house of the person and met his mother. She hugged me as if I was her child… That is how Wayanad makes me feel,” she remarked, expressing her pride in the community’s resilience and unity following natural disasters.
Priyanka also reflected on her visits with her brother after recent landslides, noting the courage and dignity displayed by local families affected by the tragedy. “You are courageous, and you honor the teachings of all religions. How can I not be the proudest person to represent Wayanad?” she asserted.
As the election approaches, the stakes are high for both parties, with the BJP aiming to consolidate its position and the Congress striving to regain trust in a constituency that has recently experienced significant political upheaval.
