Thiruvananthapuram: Leaders of the Congress and the Left in Kerala on Thursday accused the Central government of political discrimination, criticising the financial aid sanctioned for reconstruction in Wayanad following the devastating landslides.
On Wednesday, a High-Level Committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved Rs 260.56 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Kerala had sought Rs 2,221 crore for rebuilding efforts.
Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal said the allocation reflected “political discrimination” against Kerala. “Kerala currently has two Union Ministers. They must clarify whether this approach towards the state is acceptable. Do they have any concern or conscience for the disaster-affected people who are being ignored? Are they willing to correct the Central government’s stance?” he asked. He also urged the Centre to hold consultations in the affected areas.
Kerala’s demand for a reconstruction package of Rs 2,219 crore was scaled down to Rs 260.56 crore. In comparison, Maharashtra was granted Rs 1,492 crore last year for disaster relief, while Assam received Rs 1,270 crore this year.
State Revenue Minister K. Rajan described the Centre’s decision as discriminatory. “What has the Centre given? It is nothing compared to the damage. It took five months to include this disaster in the L3 category. We submitted losses amounting to Rs 1,222 crore, yet received nothing. We asked for Rs 2,221 crore and got only Rs 260 crore. This is clearly discrimination against Kerala,” he said.
Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said the support was “grossly inadequate.” While acknowledging that the Centre had borne costs for helicopters and other services during the crisis, he noted that it took 15 months even to secure this assistance. “We will again approach the Centre,” he added.
Venugopal further criticized the Prime Minister’s visit to Wayanad after the disaster, saying it was reduced to a photo opportunity. The government’s inhumane approach towards states not aligned politically is evident. The people of Wayanad have the right to adequate assistance, and the Centre must adopt a humane and just approach, he said.