Rahul, Priyanka Lay Foundation for 100 Congress-Built Homes for Landslide Survivors in Wayanad

Wayanad, Feb 2026: In a major step towards rehabilitation of families affected by the devastating Chooralmala–Mundakkai landslide, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday laid the foundation stone for 100 houses being constructed by the Indian National Congress in Kerala’s Wayanad.

The housing initiative is aimed at families who lost their homes and livelihoods in the Chooralmala–Mundakkai disaster of July 30, 2024, one of the worst natural calamities to hit the hill district in recent years. Addressing the beneficiaries, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recalled her first visit to the region immediately after the tragedy and said the scenes she witnessed that day had left a permanent mark on her.

“What I saw will never leave me,” she said, recalling how entire families had lost their homes, sources of income, schools and small businesses overnight. She noted that beyond the destruction, what stood out most was the unity and courage shown by people cutting across religious and social lines. “In the face of such loss, you stood together as one community,” she told the gathering.

Though she was not the Member of Parliament at the time of the disaster, Priyanka said her bond with Wayanad had only deepened since then. “Between then and now, I have become a part of your family,” she said, adding that repeated visits had allowed her to closely understand the hardships people were facing. She spoke of farmers who once took pride in their land now being forced to work as daily wage labourers, and small traders struggling to rebuild after their shops were washed away.

Priyanka underlined that the Congress had consistently raised the issue of Wayanad at various platforms, including Parliament. She said party leaders had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding that the disaster be declared a national calamity, and had also written to the Prime Minister seeking urgent and sustained support. “Irrespective of political differences, everyone stood together for Wayanad,” she said.

Detailing the housing project, she said each beneficiary family would receive a 1,100 square-foot house built on eight cents of land. So far, 3.25 acres have already been acquired and sale deeds executed, while another 2.18 acres will be purchased shortly. Negotiations have been completed for a total of five acres, ensuring that the project moves ahead without delay.

In addition to housing support, Priyanka announced financial assistance of Rs five lakh each for 40 affected shopkeepers to help them restart their businesses and regain economic stability.

Rahul Gandhi, addressing the gathering, said the tragedy had revealed the true character of Wayanad’s people. “You lost a lot, but you did not lose your courage or your humanity,” he said, describing the foundation stone ceremony as not just a development initiative but also an act of remembrance for those who lost their lives.

Lightening the mood, Rahul shared a personal anecdote about a minor disagreement with his sister during their journey, drawing laughter from the crowd. He said the moment they landed in Wayanad, the atmosphere changed completely, reflecting the emotional bond the family shares with the district.

“Our relationship with Wayanad goes far beyond politics,” he said, reaffirming the Gandhis’ long-standing commitment to the people of the region as they continue their journey of recovery and rebuilding.