The Kerala government denies UDF’s allegations of delaying Wayanad landslide rehabilitation and blames the Centre. The opposition walks out in protest.

Kerala Govt, Opposition Spar Over Wayanad Landslide Rehabilitation

Thiruvananthapuram, March 11 (PTI): The Kerala government on Tuesday refuted allegations by the Congress-led UDF that it was delaying the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide victims, leading to a dramatic opposition walkout from the state assembly.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan defended the government’s efforts, stating that the Centre had failed to provide timely financial aid for rehabilitation. He claimed that only in February did the Union government sanction a long-term loan of Rs 530 crore. Rajan further accused the Centre of delaying the designation of the landslides as a disaster of a severe nature, asserting that the state had acted swiftly by taking measures such as loan waivers from Kerala Bank to support victims.

However, the opposition rejected this defense, alleging that the state did little to support the victims in the eight months since the disaster on July 30, 2023, which wiped out three villages in Meppadi panchayat, Wayanad, and claimed over 200 lives. UDF MLA T Siddique criticized the state and central governments, accusing them of neglecting relief efforts.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan echoed these sentiments, arguing that the government failed to provide financial assistance for medical treatment and education costs of survivors. He also accused the administration of bureaucratic delays, saying, “The list of affected victims has not even been finalized after eight months.”

IUML MLA and deputy LoP P K Kunhalikutty blamed the Centre for withholding crucial financial support while also faulting the state government for losing momentum in relief coordination. “All you had to do was coordinate voluntary efforts, and things would be much better now,” he claimed.

With the Speaker rejecting the UDF’s demand to adjourn the session for a complete discussion, the opposition staged a walkout in protest, intensifying political tensions over the issue.