A recent social media post by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) promoting Wayanad, a scenic district in neighbouring Kerala, has ignited public outrage and political criticism, raising questions about the use of taxpayer funds for promoting tourism outside Karnataka.

The viral post

On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, KSTDC’s official social media handle shared an image of Wayanad with the caption:

“Seeking thrill or tranquillity? Find both in Wayanad! Trek scenic trails, chase waterfalls & meet the wild with KSTDC. Your perfect nature escape awaits.”

The post also included the tagline, “Wayanad is waiting for you”, aiming to attract tourists interested in nature, adventure, and wildlife experiences.

While intended as a tourism promotion, the post quickly drew sharp criticism from netizens who questioned why a Karnataka state tourism body was promoting a destination outside its jurisdiction.

One user commented, “Shameful, delete this post asap. Why can’t you promote Karnataka places?” Another asked, “When did Wayanad become part of Karnataka?”

Supporters defend the initiative

Not all reactions were critical. Some social media users defended the promotion, arguing that tourism transcends administrative boundaries. “Tourism doesn’t grow without people travelling. State borders shouldn’t divide us,” one user said. Several others noted that KSTDC has previously offered package tours to destinations in Tamil Nadu, Goa, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, suggesting that inter-state promotions are a long-standing practice of the agency.

Political backlash

The controversy escalated when BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, targeted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of misusing public funds for Wayanad.

In a post on X, Ashoka wrote:

“You [Siddaramaiah] signed off ₹10 crore of Karnataka taxpayers’ money to Wayanad at lightning speed. You gave away ₹15 lakh to the family of a man killed by an elephant. You announced 100 houses in Wayanad after a landslide. Now you’re using KSTDC to promote Priyanka Gandhi’s constituency.”

Ashoka’s comments suggested a politically motivated dimension, highlighting that Wayanad is the parliamentary constituency of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and accusing Siddaramaiah of favouring a key Congress stronghold outside Karnataka.

KSTDC’s inter-state tourism strategy

KSTDC has a history of promoting tourism packages beyond Karnataka, particularly in southern India. Its initiatives include guided tours and holiday packages to Goa, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, aimed at encouraging travel and cultural exchange among neighboring states.

Officials note that inter-state tourism promotions can benefit Karnataka indirectly by fostering regional travel networks, increasing awareness of nearby destinations, and strengthening ties with tourism partners in other states. However, in the case of Wayanad, the post became politically sensitive due to its association with a prominent Congress constituency.

Public and political reactions

While critics focused on alleged misuse of taxpayer money, supporters emphasized the broader goal of promoting tourism. Netizens highlighted that encouraging travel, regardless of state borders, could boost the overall tourism industry in South India.

However, political analysts suggest that the controversy has been amplified because of the timing and the visibility of Wayanad as a Congress stronghold, with BJP leaders framing the post as a diversion of Karnataka resources for political symbolism rather than public benefit.

As of now, the KSTDC post remains live on its official social media platforms. The tourism agency has not issued a separate clarification or response to the political criticism.

Implications for Karnataka Tourism

The incident underscores the delicate balance state tourism bodies must maintain between promoting travel and ensuring that promotions align with taxpayer interests. It also highlights the potential for political scrutiny when initiatives intersect with high-profile constituencies.

Experts suggest that in the future, tourism campaigns should clearly communicate benefits to Karnataka tourists and local businesses to avoid similar controversies. Inter-state tourism packages, if framed appropriately, can contribute to regional economic growth, cultural exchange, and increased visibility for Karnataka’s own tourism sector.

In summary, the Wayanad controversy illustrates how tourism promotions can quickly become a political flashpoint. While the post was ostensibly intended to attract nature and adventure enthusiasts, it has sparked a broader debate about state priorities, resource allocation, and political optics, putting KSTDC’s strategies under intense public and political scrutiny.

This episode may prompt Karnataka’s tourism department to review its communication and promotional strategies, ensuring clarity about the goals and beneficiaries of inter-state tourism campaigns to prevent misunderstandings and political backlash in the future.