BJP Targets Gandhi Siblings Over Wayanad Landslide Response

Eight lives lost in the Meppadi landslide have ignited a sharp political confrontation in Kerala, as BJP leaders denounce Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi for their continued absence from the disaster site. The party now labels Priyanka Gandhi, the local member of parliament, a tourist indifferent to her constituency's urgent crisis.

Editorial·July 13, 2026·reads: 3,181

BJP Targets Gandhi Siblings Over Wayanad Landslide Response

The disaster struck on July 7 near a tunnel construction project in Kalladi, burying the site under nearly 10 feet of debris. BJP leader V. Muraleedharan escalated the rhetoric on Monday, accusing the Gandhi siblings of prioritizing political optics over the welfare of those displaced. He further directed blame toward former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the tunnel project proceeded in direct violation of federal safety conditions.

National spokesperson CR Kesavan reinforced these accusations, noting that six days have passed since the tragedy without a physical presence from the local MP. While the administration has confirmed the recovery of all eight victims and pledged an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the affected families, the BJP continues to frame the incident as a failure of leadership from the Congress party.