Wayanad Bypoll 2024: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday declared that he and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are on a mission to make Wayanad a premier tourist destination in Kerala. Posting a video on his YouTube channel, Rahul Gandhi showcased himself enjoying Kerala's longest zipline and interacting with local adventure park workers alongside Priyanka Gandhi.
During Monday's campaign trail in Wayanad, where Priyanka Gandhi is contesting the Lok Sabha byelection, Rahul Gandhi expressed his admiration for the people’s resilience. "On Priyanka’s campaign trail in Wayanad yesterday, I had the chance to connect with some truly inspiring locals," he shared. He praised the attractions built to boost tourism, such as the largest giant swing in South India, a drop tower, and the thrilling zipline he experienced himself. "I even tried the zipline myself, and I loved every second of it!" he said.
In the video, executives of a local adventure park can be seen requesting Rahul Gandhi to undertake zipline. The ex-Wayanad MP obliges and also records the experience on camera.
Rahul Gandhi also shed light on the challenges the region is facing in the aftermath of a recent deadly landslide. "But the reality is tough. The recent landslide has left tourism hanging by a thread, and livelihoods are really suffering — from shopkeepers to homestay owners and the adventure park team, everyone is working hard just to keep things going," he remarked, acknowledging the struggle of the locals.
Rahul Gandhi emphasised that this cause goes beyond politics for him. "Hearing their stories, I felt both deep concern for their struggles and immense admiration for their resilience. This is more than politics for me; the people of Wayanad have truly won a place in my heart," he stated, reiterating his commitment to the district. "Priyanka and I have taken it up as a mission to make Wayanad a top destination in Kerala."
He described Wayanad as a place that embodies the best of India. "Wayanad embodies the best of India — breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unmatched resilience," he said, calling for a rediscovery of India’s wonders. "Let's rediscover the magic within our own country and show the world what India has to offer. For the people of Wayanad, I'm here, now and always," he concluded.
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'Let's Make Wayanad Known As Best Tourist Destination In World': Rahul Gandhi Tells Locals
In the video shared by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka can be heard saying, "One huge effect of the landslide is on tourism which is unjustified in the sense that the landslide was just in a very restricted area. Wayanad has actually got a huge area, very very beautiful, natural landscape...I met homestay owners who have been deeply affected. They are not able to pay their staff anymore for the last three months. We just want to emphasise that Wayanad is safe and it is absolutely beautiful"
The former Wayanad Lok Sabha member also stressed, "There is no problem in Wayanad. The landslide was a localised event so tourism must not be damaged."
"Let us make Wayanad known as the best tourist destination in the world. When people think of Kerala, the first destination they think of should be Wayanad...This is to show the rest of the world what Wayanad is," he can be seen telling a gathering.
Rahul Gandhi’s participation on the last day of Priyanka Gandhi's campaign for the November 13 byelection marks his second involvement, having previously joined on October 23 when Priyanka filed her nomination in Kalpetta. The bypoll was triggered after Rahul Gandhi vacated the Wayanad seat following his victory in Raebareli during the recent parliamentary elections.