Central govt doing everything to weaken Constitution, democracy in India: Priyanka Gandhi

This marks Priyanka’s second visit to Wayanad since her Lok Sabha bypoll victory.

Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday alleged that the country was experiencing a period where the central government was doing everything possible "to weaken the Constitution and democracy in India."

Speaking at a booth-level leaders' meeting in Mananthavady assembly constituency, Priyanka raised concerns over the plight of victims affected by landslides in Wayanad’s high-range areas. She stated that many of them were still struggling with housing issues and had not received adequate compensation.

She acknowledged that due to Congress' efforts in the Lok Sabha, the Centre had at least declared the Wayanad landslides as a disaster of severe nature, expressing hope that this would result in increased financial aid for rehabilitation.

Priyanka also addressed the human-animal conflict in Wayanad, highlighting the rising instances of wild animal attacks that had not only claimed lives but also impacted livelihoods. She recalled that during her previous visit, the district administration had sought additional funds to mitigate the crisis and ensure the safety of residents.

"I said I will work with them, and together we will try to secure as much funding as possible to help them address this crisis and find new solutions," she said.

The Wayanad MP further reaffirmed her commitment to resolving key issues in the region, including the welfare of tribal communities, the lack of a medical college in Mananthavady, night travel restrictions, and the need to boost tourism for economic growth.

She also expressed gratitude towards Congress booth-level leaders and workers for their efforts in securing her victory in the Lok Sabha bypoll. She urged them to remain engaged with the public beyond election periods and be available for the people every day.

Priyanka arrived at Kannur airport in the morning and traveled to Wayanad by road. As per her itinerary, she will hold meetings with booth-level leaders in Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta on Saturday, followed by a visit to the Lourde Matha Church in Pallikkunnu, Kalpetta in the evening.

On Sunday, she is scheduled to hold meetings with booth-level leaders in Eranad and Thiruvambadi, while on Monday, she will meet leaders in Wandoor and Nilambur. She will also visit the families of wild animal attack victims, party sources said.

This marks Priyanka’s second visit to Wayanad since her Lok Sabha bypoll victory. In January, she had visited the family of a woman killed by a tiger while collecting coffee beans in Mananthavady village. She had also met the family of N M Vijayan, a former district office-bearer of Congress, who died by suicide along with his son in December 2023.