Priyanka Praises IUML’s Rehabilitation Efforts in Wayanad
Wayanad, Kerala: Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday commended the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for its exemplary rehabilitation work following the devastating landslides that struck the district in July 2024. Speaking at a ceremony in Vellithode where 51 newly constructed houses were handed over to survivors, Priyanka described the IUML’s initiative as a “monumental effort” that has provided much-needed hope and shelter to families who lost everything.
The Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslides, one of Kerala’s worst natural disasters in recent memory, claimed over 200 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving countless residents displaced and grieving. In the wake of the tragedy, various political parties, government bodies, and community organizations stepped up to support recovery efforts.
Priyanka, who serves as AICC General Secretary, recounted her initial visit to Wayanad shortly after the disaster alongside her brother, Rahul Gandhi. Amid pouring rain and dark skies, she was struck by the organized response she witnessed. “For the first time, I saw an organised and efficient effort to help and support those who are suffering,” she said. She highlighted the role of IUML’s White Guard volunteers—young men in yellow shirts—who directed traffic, managed relief kitchens, comforted survivors, and assisted in every possible way, even before official government efforts fully mobilized.
Praising the White Guard’s 1,000-member brigade, Priyanka noted how they upheld values of secularism, service, and unity by aiding people across religions, ages, and genders. “In the worst, darkest hour, you shone a light of compassion towards everyone,” she told the gathering, calling for applause in recognition of their selfless work.
The IUML’s contributions extended far beyond immediate relief. Priyanka highlighted the provision of 100 free ambulances, clothing, furniture, utensils, medicines, food supplies worth crores of rupees, palliative care, and the rescue of 150 critically injured individuals. Additionally, the organization provided vehicles—including taxis, jeeps, autorickshaws, motorcycles, tricycles for the disabled, and scooters—to 57 families who had lost all possessions.
Turning to the housing project, Priyanka expressed delight at seeing 51 completed houses in a scenic location, with 54 more under construction. The development also includes plans for a prayer hall, children’s playground, and community hall. “My colleagues in the IUML have certainly done better than us… because we are just starting,” she admitted candidly, urging her Congress colleagues to accelerate their own promised 100-house project, for which the foundation stone was laid just days earlier with Rahul Gandhi present.
She emphasized that while no compensation can replace lost loved ones or possessions, these new homes offer “a sense of shelter, safety, and comfort.” Priyanka stressed the remarkable resilience of Wayanad’s people: “It’s rare for us to see the kind of resilience, the kind of courage and strength that the people of Wayanad showed us.”
In a notable show of bipartisanship, Priyanka pointed out that she had visited government-built houses earlier that day and was pleased with their progress. “I am proud that across party lines… every party… all of us have done our best to fulfil our promises and to provide the support and the necessary help that was needed to the survivors,” she said, rejecting any partisan criticism in favor of collective appreciation.
Addressing the survivors directly, she conveyed solidarity: “We are with you and we stand with you throughout your struggle to stand on your feet again, until each one of you has rebuilt a life for yourselves and has been able to move on from this terrible tragedy.”
