The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, 12 July launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Priyanka Gandhi, Congress MP from Wayanad, accusing both of failing to visit the landslide-affected district despite the disaster claiming multiple lives. The BJP charged that the Gandhi siblings had shown a 'lack of empathy' by staying away from the constituency in its hour of crisis.

The BJP's Charge

BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya, in a post on X, wrote: 'Days after the latest Wayanad landslide claimed lives and caused widespread devastation, neither Rahul Gandhi nor Priyanka Vadra has found the time to visit the affected area or meet the victims. Empathy is measured by standing with people in their darkest hour, not just by showing up before elections.' Malviya also remarked on what he called the 'conspicuous silence' of the Congress ecosystem.

What Happened in Wayanad

A landslide struck the Anakkampoyil–Meppadi tunnel project site on 7 July. By Sunday, the death toll had risen to eight, with the recovery of a body believed to be that of Vikram Rana, a construction manager at the site. Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi issued condolences following the tragedy, but neither had visited the disaster site as of Sunday.

Rahul Gandhi's Absence from Public View

Beyond the Wayanad issue, the BJP and political observers have flagged a broader pattern: Rahul Gandhi has reportedly been absent from public events for nearly 20 days, with no updates on his official social media handles since 2 July. He is believed to be on a foreign trip, though no itinerary or official communication has been issued by the Congress party.

This comes at a particularly sensitive moment. The Chhatron Ki Goonj campaign — a Congress initiative aimed at amplifying student voices — had a flagship event in Prayagraj originally scheduled for 10 July. That event was abruptly postponed to 19 July without a public explanation. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, meanwhile, is scheduled to begin on 20 July.

Political Context

Critics argue the absence fits a recurring pattern in Rahul Gandhi's political conduct — generating momentum around campaigns and then stepping back when sustained follow-through is required. Congress is also navigating internal factionalism in Punjab, a border state heading to polls next year, with the party's national leadership reportedly disengaged during a critical organisational phase.

As Parliament prepares to reconvene and the Wayanad landslide toll continues to mount, pressure on both Gandhi siblings to make a public appearance in the affected region is likely to intensify.