'No financial assistance to victims of landslide, not declared national calamity because of cheap politics': Priyanka Gandhi

MALAPPURAM: Priyanka Gandhi, the UDF candidate from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, said that what the central government is showing to the victims of the Wayanad landslide tragedy is the most ugly face of hate politics. She was speaking at a corner meeting at Areekode Therattammal in Eranad constituency.

"The central government has not yet provided financial assistance to the victims of the disaster. The same situation was witnessed in Himachal Pradesh. Even when major disasters happen it is not declared a national calamity because of their cheap politics. The idea of India is not based on the politics that is happening in the country now. Our country has a history of achieving freedom through non-violence without even shedding a drop of blood. In such a diverse country, everyone lives in harmony. We have a Constitution that places the common people at the highest level. That's what democracy means. In a democracy, people are important. But the BJP, which rules the country, has no sense of the identity of this country," Priyanka said. Priyanka campaigned in Nilambur, Wandoor and Eranad constituencies in the district yesterday.

On the football field

Priyanka Gandhi stopped at Edavanna Seethi Haji Memorial Football Stadium where a football match was being held. Priyanka, who was on her way to a public meeting in Mampad, reached the ground and watched the match for about 15 minutes. Priyanka shook hands with the players and also spoke to the coaches. She was accompanied by KC Venugopal MP and AP Anil Kumar MLA.