Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi ended his visit of Wayanad, the constituency he represents in Parliament, on Tuesday with glowing tributes to the bravery and dignity of area residents amid the crippling floods there.
Rahul, who arrived in Wayanad on Sunday, had toured the constituency extensively to assess flood damage. He tweeted on Tuesday, “I left Wayanad with nothing but pride for the people I represent. The display of bravery and dignity in the face of immense tragedy is truly humbling. It is such an honour and pleasure to be your MP. Thank you Kerala.”
Wayanad and other northern districts of Malappuram and Kozhikode have been among the places that are the worst affected by the current flooding in Kerala.
The death toll in the floods in Kerala since August 8 reached 88 on Tuesday; of these, 41 people have died in Malappuram and Wayanad alone. In Wayanad, 12 people have died and seven have been reported missing. Over 35,000 people are in 196 relief camps in Wayanad.
Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, Rahul had said he had spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the flood situation in Kerala. Rahul added that both Central and state governments should take measures to provide compensation to the flood-hit people as soon as possible.
Rahul also visited people displaced by the floods in relief camps at Meppadi in Wayanad and Kaithapoil in Kozhikode. He assured support to those affected by the floods. Rahul said, “I know it is a difficult time but I request you not to worry about your future. We are going to stand with you, we are going to help you and we are going to make sure that you're able to rebuild your lives.”
Rahul had won from Wayanad by a record margin of 4.3 lakh votes in the recent Lok Sabha election, one of the few highlights for the Congress in a disastrous campaign. Wayanad was considered a 'back-up' option for Rahul to his 'traditional' constituency of Amethi, which he had won three times in a row. Rahul lost from Amethi to BJP leader Smriti Irani.