All India Congress Committee general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the Left Democratic Front government in Kerala on Sunday, accusing it of politicising welfare pension payments and failing to uphold the dignity and livelihoods of the poor.

Speaking at a UDF campaign rally in Moothedam, as part of her roadshow in support of United Democratic Front candidate Aryadan Shoukath for the Nilambur Assembly byelection, Ms Vadra said that the people’s welfare should not be reduced to a political calculation.

Linking local and national representation

Priyanka Gandhi told the voters that electing the UDF candidate would help strengthen her ability as the local MP to bring greater benefits to the Nilambur segment, which falls under the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

We need to get work done for you. We can do it together. We can put all our resources and all our force and strength into doing it together, she said.

She emphasised that a strong coordination between the MP and MLA would bring more targeted development and quicker redressal of local issues.

Welfare pension must not be political

Taking direct aim at the Kerala government, Ms Vadra criticised the way the monthly ₹1,600 welfare pension was being handled. She alleged that payments were being made selectively and opportunistically, rather than consistently and with empathy.

This pension is a lifeline for many people. It must be paid on time. Politicising it or delaying it is unjustified and unacceptable, she told the crowd.

Neglect of ASHA workers and rural safety

Priyanka Gandhi also highlighted the poor treatment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) by the Kerala government. These frontline workers are ignored and underpaid, despite their pivotal role in public health, she said.

She further condemned the government over the recent tragic death of Ananthu, a 15-year-old boy who was electrocuted by an illegal power trap meant for wild boars in Vazhikkadavu.

There is no point in blaming old laws or others. The government must ensure these incidents do not recur. Even our own cadres must stay alert and press authorities into action, she said.

A larger call for accountability and compassion

Ms Vadra’s statements underlined a broader theme of accountability, timely welfare, and depoliticised governance. Her comments come at a critical time ahead of the June 19 Nilambur byelection, where Aryadan Shoukath, the UDF’s face, is contesting with high stakes for both local development and the Congress party’s visibility in the region.

The campaign saw the participation of several key UDF leaders and senior Congress figures, including AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal and Deepa Dasmunshi, UDF chairman V D Satheesan, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, and AICC working committee member Ramesh Chennithala.

Also present were Indian Union Muslim League district president Syed Abbasali Shihab Thangal, KPCC working president A P Anil Kumar, and District Congress Committee president V S Joy, reflecting the strong organisational push behind the campaign.

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