Wayanad, Kerala: Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi visited Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman, known as ‘Nellachan’, at his residence in Mananthavady on Monday.

Raman, a tribal rice farmer, is known for his knowledge of agriculture, particularly paddy cultivation, and for preserving over 50 indigenous varieties of rice. Earlier this year, Kerala Agricultural University appointed him as ‘Professor of Practice’, and he teaches students about traditional farming methods.

During her visit, Priyanka walked barefoot through the paddy fields and observed farming practices. She also listened to native folk songs. A video of her walk has appeared on social media.

Supporters described her barefoot walk as a humble gesture, while critics said walking barefoot in a paddy field is normal and questioned whether she would visit families affected by party factionalism in the district.

Priyanka examined around sixty different varieties of seeds and asked about cultivation methods. Before leaving, she tried the traditional bow and arrows kept at Raman’s house.

She is on a 10-day visit to Wayanad to meet local communities and understand their concerns. On Sunday, she met several cultural, literary, and religious figures in her constituency.

She also inaugurated a drinking water project at Mylukunnu and Panamaram villages, part of the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme), which allocates Rs 5 crore annually for development works in each constituency.

Earlier in her visit, Priyanka went to the Bishop House in Thamarassery to meet Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil. The main issues discussed included representation of their community in Parliament and man-animal conflicts in the region.

Speaking to reporters, the Bishop said, "It was a totally personal visit. She requested this personal visit. Personal things were discussed; no political issues or requirements of the community were discussed. But I presented my issues in front of her. Main issue I addressed was to represent the community in the Parliament and the issue related to the conflict between man and wild animals."

Priyanka also visited the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology in Kalpetta and inspected the Poozhithode-Padinjarathara road project. She told reporters, "I am here for 10 days and just want to understand the issues here more deeply. I am also understanding how I can support and help to resolve the issues. This is the mission for these 10 days."