NEW DELHI: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi expressed her admiration for the resilience shown by the residents in the face of recent tragedies and extended her support in their continued fight for justice and development. In an open letter addressed to the people of Wayanad she wrote, “Even in the helplessness of an overwhelming tragedy, you were cooperating, comforting one another and rising to the highest standards of humanity. Your brave spirit deeply touched me.”
Priyanka, who recently visited Wayanad with her brother, Rahul Gandhi, recounted her experiences and observations after witnessing the impact of landslides that devastated the region. “A few months back, I travelled to Chooramala and Mundakkai with my brother. I saw the devastation wrought by the landslide and the depth of the loss you suffered,” Priyanka wrote. Describing the tragic scene, she highlighted how communities in Wayanad came together with “immense courage and fortitude” in the face of overwhelming loss.
One of the key aspects Priyanka noted was the communal spirit among the residents. “You rallied together with a strength I have not seen before,” she emphasized, praising the efforts of doctors, social workers, teachers, nurses, and volunteers who banded together to support those in need without succumbing to “pettiness or greed.”
In her letter, Priyanka also shared that it would be her “honour to represent [Wayanad] in Parliament.” She acknowledged the bond that her brother had established with the people of Wayanad and expressed her commitment to deepen that relationship by focusing on the region’s specific needs and struggles. “When he asked me to be the Congress candidate for Wayanad, he did it with a mixture of pride and sadness in his heart,” Priyanka explained, promising to carry forward Rahul Gandhi’s dedication to the community.
The Congress leader further emphasized her vision for Wayanad, stating that she felt a strong need to “create opportunities for women and for their freedom to live their lives on their own terms.” She highlighted Wayanad’s abundant natural beauty and resources, asserting that protecting the environment and promoting cultural heritage would be essential for the region’s future.
Her letter reflects a deep sense of commitment to listening to the concerns of the people and working closely with local communities, particularly addressing the struggles faced by the farming and tribal communities in Wayanad. “I truly look forward to hearing from you, to meeting as many of you as I possibly can, and to listening to your views on how we can work together in the way that benefits you most,” she wrote.
Priyanka closed her letter with a pledge to the people of Wayanad, stating, “Fighting for democracy, for justice, and for the values enshrined in our constitution is central to my life.” Expressing her hope that Wayanad would support her as their representative in Parliament, she promised, “I look forward to carrying this battle for all our futures forward with your support.”