Wayanad: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi arrived in Wayanad on Friday for a two-day visit, amid speculation of a shake-up in the district Congress leadership.

Though the Congress officially described the visit as a private one, party sources said Rahul Gandhi would meet KPCC president Sunny Joseph MLA, Congress working president KC Venugopal, and other senior leaders. The Gandhis landed in a helicopter at Padinjarathara Government High School ground. They later proceeded to a resort near the Banasura Islands, where Priyanka Gandhi is currently staying during her two-week constituency tour.

The timing of the visit is significant as Priyanka Gandhi has kept her distance from the District Congress Committee (DCC), relying instead on independent interactions with prominent personalities, including writer MN Karassery, Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman, religious leaders, and tribal community representatives.

The leadership trio are expected to review political affairs in Wayanad, particularly the party’s image crisis following the suicide of Jose Nelledam, the lingering impact of former treasurer NM Vijayan’s death and the recent alleged suicide attempt of his daughter-in-law, Padmaja. The DCC’s failure to finalise land for rehabilitating Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide victims is also expected to feature in discussions.

A change in the Wayanad DCC leadership appears imminent, with current president ND Appachan expressing readiness to step down. He has acknowledged difficulties in handling internal factionalism. Sulthan Bathery MLA I C Balakrishnan’s camp has been opposing his leadership since his appointment.

Names under consideration for the post include Meenangadi panchayat president KE Vinayan and Kalpetta municipal chairman TJ Isaac, both seen as younger leaders capable of bringing stability.

According to party sources, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi will leave Wayanad on Saturday afternoon, while Priyanka Gandhi is expected to continue her constituency engagements until September 22.