Centre Accused of Neglect in Kerala Landslide Relief

Kolkata- The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Monday urged the Central government to provide immediate assistance to the victims of the Kerala landslide that occurred in July this year. The party criticized the Centre for not releasing the funds requested by the state, despite the urgent need.

Over 250 people lost their lives in the devastating landslide in Wayanad district, which Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called "the worst ever tragedy that the state witnessed." The Kerala government had requested Rs 214.68 crore in immediate relief and Rs 2,319.1 crore for comprehensive recovery and reconstruction. However, four months later, the Centre is yet to approve the funds.

The CPI-M Politburo, in a statement, called the Centre's response "deeply unjust and inhumane," and accused them of undermining the principles of federal support during crises. The party also criticized the Centre's refusal to classify the landslide as a 'calamity of severe nature' and their unwillingness to waive loans for the affected families.

Vijayan criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for delaying the special package for the rehabilitation of the victims, refuting Shah's claims that the delay was due to the state's late response. Vijayan stated that the Centre's allegations were "baseless" and that Shah had previously made false claims about a nonexistent weather report in Parliament. The Home Minister previously pointed out that the Kerala government submitted a memo estimating Rs 2,219.03 crore for recovery and reconstruction on November 13.

The CPI-M Politburo also expressed concerns regarding the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government and authorities to ensure their protection. The party criticized what they perceived as inaction against Islamist fundamentalist forces and condemned the BJP-RSS and Hindutva outfits in India for their "incendiary propaganda," which they believe harms the interests of minorities in Bangladesh.