'Cruel and unjust': Pinarayi Vijayan rages against Centre over Wayanad aid

Kasaragod: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had harsh words for the Union government on Sunday, accusing it of adopting a vindictive approach towards Kerala by denying assistance to the landslide-affected region of Wayanad. Addressing a party meeting in Kasaragod, Pinarayi called on the people of the state to come together to strongly protest the Centre’s actions.

"This is a cruel act that should not be inflicted on any state. Kerala is also a part of this country. Our rights and justice must not be denied. The positive aspect is that all of our MPs, except those from the BJP, are united in demanding what is rightfully ours," Pinarayi said.

He alleged that the Centre was deliberately withholding aid that Kerala rightfully deserves. The CPM-led government has strongly condemned the BJP-led Union government for refusing assistance for the rehabilitation of landslide victims in Wayanad, despite repeated requests.

Industries Minister P Rajeev also condemned the Centre’s stance, asserting that regardless of whether the Union government provides support, the state will proceed with the rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building townships for the survivors' rehabilitation.

"The petition regarding the acquisition of two estates for this purpose is under consideration by the High Court. A decision is expected soon. If the ruling is favourable, the estates will be acquired, and the township construction will begin," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan claimed that the opposition was the first to raise the issue of the Centre’s negligence in providing assistance for the Wayanad disaster in the Assembly.

"We brought this matter to light well before the Chief Minister accused the Centre of neglect. Kerala MPs, led by Priyanka Gandhi, even met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and others spoke in Parliament about the injustice faced by Wayanad," Satheesan stated.

Taking a swipe at the state ministers, he added, "If there are ministers unaware of these efforts, it seems they don’t live on this planet."

Earlier, PWD Minister PA Mohammed Riyas alleged that the UDF was aligning with the BJP-led Centre in opposing the state government on the Wayanad rehabilitation issue, PTI reported.

In response, Satheesan remarked, "We will have to think twice before protesting jointly with the LDF against the Centre's neglect. The UDF has the strength to protest independently and does not need to collaborate with the LDF."

The landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30 devastated large parts of three villages—Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai—along with sections of Attamala, claiming 231 lives, according to the state government.