Wayanad is one of the most demographically diverse parliamentary constituencies in Kerala. The constituency is home to the largest population of scheduled tribes in Kerala and significant population of religious minorities. Wayanad is also blessed with rich biodiversity and has attracted farmers, merchants and traders for hundreds of years. However, the constituency faces several challenges in its development trajectory. Wayanad district is the only aspirational district in Kerala. A difficult terrain, limited connectivity, fragile ecosystem and the adverse impact of climate change pose severe challenges to its development trajectory.
Shri. Rahul Gandhi’s term began with the devastating floods in 2019. Two consecutive floods in 2018 and 2019 uprooted the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people. The MP organized relief materials for over 18,000 families and surveyed flood hit areas. Relief packages, cleaning kits etc. were distributed to thousands of flood affected households. He was instrumental in raising critical issues with the Central Government, including extending the moratorium on repayment of farm loans, urgent repair of road infrastructure and expansion of MGREGA. The MP continues to monitor post-flood rehabilitation efforts and engages with affected communities to rebuild their lives.
Projects worth 4.61 crores have been sanctioned under MPLADS program for the year 2019-2021. Over 40 projects were recommended, before the MPLADS scheme was suspended abruptly for two years. Projects ranging from purchase of vehicle for community health care centre, equipment for computer lab and construction of Anganwadi centre (Samskarikanilayam) have been sanctioned. Medical equipment, PPEs, masks etc. worth Rs. 2.70 crores were procured for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic under the MPLADS program.
To bolster the efforts of the district administration during the lockdown, 50 thermal scanners, 20000 masks and 1000 liters of sanitizer were donated. 28,000 kgs rice and 5600 kgs of pulses were contributed to the community kitchens. Since a significant number of people with other health ailments, especially kidney and liver related conditions require assistance, a one-time medical assistance of Rs. 28 lakhs was announced to help 1000 needy patients. Further, assistance was provided to constituents stranded in different parts of the country during the lockdown.
The people of Wayanad have several longstanding demands, including lifting the night traffic ban on NH-766, the construction of a government medical college in Wayanad district and the urgent completion of the Nanjangud-Nilambur railway line. Shri. Rahul Gandhi has taken up these demands with the respective Union Ministries and the State Government. He has also raised these issues in Parliament and continues to advocate for a feasible solution.