On Tuesday, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi took a thrilling ride on Kerala’s longest zipline at Wayanad’s Karapuzha dam site to support tourism revival efforts in the region. His visit came ahead of the Wayanad bypolls, where his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is contesting for the Lok Sabha seat against BJP candidate Navya Haridas and LDF’s Satyan Mokeri.
In a video that has since gone viral, Gandhi expressed admiration for the resilience of Wayanad’s residents and praised new tourist attractions. “They’ve built incredible attractions, like the largest giant swing in South India, a drop tower, and a thrilling zipline,” he remarked, emphasizing the area’s continued beauty and safety. Gandhi’s enthusiastic zipline ride was part of a broader message to encourage visitors, with him jokingly inviting Priyanka to join him on the zipline challenge.
Tourism Efforts Amid Recovery from Landslides
Gandhi’s remarks come months after severe landslides and floods affected areas like Choormala and Meppadi, claiming over 200 lives and causing significant devastation. In a separate speech, Gandhi urged efforts to promote Wayanad as a major tourist destination. “There is no problem in Wayanad,” he assured, underscoring that the recent landslides were localized events.
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Heartfelt Scenes at Polling Stations for Landslide Survivors
The bypoll for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat saw an emotional turnout as landslide survivors cast their votes. Special transportation services were provided for them to reach polling stations from temporary shelters, creating a sense of community and resilience.
The bypoll serves as both an electoral event and a testament to Wayanad’s recovery and revitalization efforts, as residents continue rebuilding amidst support from leaders like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.
