Wayanad Bypoll: Priyanka Gandhi Addresses Mananthavady; Promises Medical College

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister and Congress Wayanad candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a public gathering at Mananthavady’s Gandhi Park in Wayanad on Sunday, November 3. The gathering marks the first event that the former Wayanad MP is campaigning for his sister.

Priyanka is all set to contest her debut in the upcoming by-elections from the southern state, a seat vacated by Rahul Gandhi when he won both the Rae Bareilly and Wayanad during the recently held Lok Sabha elections. He had secured a margin of over 3.5 lakh votes from the seat.

Read Also: “My Dear Sisters And Brothers Of Wayanad…”: Priyanka Gandhi

The Congress candidate began her speech by mentioning the famous temples of the constituency, ephasising that Wayanad is a land of temples, especially the Thirunelli Temple, and reminds her father’s visited there. Remembering  the great leaders and freedom fighters such as Payasi Raja, Thalakkal Kanchandu, and Enchena Konkan from region, Priyanka said that the people of Wayanad have always fought for equality, truth, and rightfulness.

Thanking the people for the support they provided for Rahul Gandhi, she said the Congress leader could walk 4000 km for the Bharat Jodo Yatra because of the love, courage, and support of the people present at the event in Wayanad. Stating that she is happy to stand at a place where the people are living peacefully, Priyanka lauded the great history, natural beauty, and beautiful hearts of the people of the Wayanad.

Read Also: Priyanka Gandhi’s Heartwarming Visit To A Family In Wayanad A Day Before Filing Nomination

Moreover, the Congress candidate discussed various specific issues and concerns, opportunities, visions, and development projects related to the constituency.

The Congress leader pointed out the natural beauty and tourism potential of Wayanad while noting the possibilities in crops such as coffee, rice, tea, bananas, and other food processing mechanisms to help enhance the livelihood of the people.

She admitted that despite the people working hard to provide education for their children, it was difficult to get a good job due to the country’s massive unemployment rate. She also mentioned the local women’s struggle.

Taking note of the lack of basic health care facilities, Priyanka promised the establishment of a medical college with full health facilities. Wayanad has been crying for the political attention for a medical college given the travel constraints in the hilly district for a long. Rahul Gandhi

The Congress leader further discussed the issues of the tribal communities, one of the major constituents of the Wayanad population. She asserted more funding to resolve issues including housing, water, employment, medical facilities, transportation, traffic issues of the Churam road, human and animal conflict, and the subsequent loss of lives, among others.

She then accused the Modi government of not working for the common people but for his business friends. “Modi Ji’s single agenda is to be in power by any means possible. He doesn’t focus on employment, health, education, and well-being of the people,” Priyanka alleged, adding that the Union government reduced the funding for the MGNREGA program, pointing out that it was a “very beneficial program for local tribals.” MGNREGA was introduced by the Congress-led UPA government in 2006. providing a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households.

The Congress leader further promised to push the central government for the increment in MGNREGA funding and the loss of crops during the rainy seasons. “Central government only focuses on waiving loans for all rich businessman friends. Around 16 lakh crores of rupees have been waived by the central government to the rich businessmen, but they don’t help the local people here,” she said.

Priyanka finally attacked the Prime Minister for dividing people, spreading hatred, snatching their rights, oppressing democratic institutions, and selling airports and ports to businessmen. She added that the BJP has been attacking Rahul Gandhi for his fight for justice and the rights of the people.

Priyankha concluded her campaign speech by thanking the people of Wayanad for standing with Rahul Gandhi while asking for continued support for creating a “better future for the country.”

The by-election for Wayanad will be held on November 13, and the result will be declared on 23.