New Delhi, Feb 7 (.) Rajya Sabha MP Sandosh Kumar P(CPI) on Friday wrote to union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging denial of union assistance to Kerala following the devastating landslides in Wayanad district in July 2024.
In his letter dated February 7, Kumar said the landslides, which struck areas including Chooralmala and Mundakkai on July 30 last year, claimed over 400 lives, injured hundreds and displaced thousands of families, besides causing massive damage to homes, livelihoods and public infrastructure.
He said the tragedy required immediate and adequate support from the union Government and the National Disaster Management Authority, but alleged that no special package or grant was provided despite repeated requests from the Kerala government and MPs from the state.
The CPI leader stated that in the absence of union support, the LDF government in Kerala undertook rehabilitation efforts on its own. He said permanent houses and rehabilitation colonies with basic amenities and livelihood support are nearing completion, and are being handed over within about one-and-a-half years.
Kumar said he visited the rehabilitated settlements recently and has attached photographs for reference.
He also criticised the Centre for extending assistance only in the form of a loan, calling it inadequate during a humanitarian crisis.
Kumar urged the NDA government to reflect on what he termed partisan neglect and appealed for equal treatment of all states during disasters, stressing that disaster relief should not be guided by political considerations.
He called on the union Government to uphold fairness, federal responsibility and humanity in discharging its constitutional duties.
. PKJ .