Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Critiques Central Government Over Kerala Landslide Aid
NEW DELHI: Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has expressed strong criticism of the Central government’s response to the recent landslide disaster in Kerala’s Wayanad district. She pointed out that although the state requested ₹2,221 crore for relief and reconstruction, the Centre allocated only ₹260 crore—far short of the actual needs.
In a statement on X, Gandhi remarked, “The people of Wayanad faced a devastating tragedy that demanded compassion, fairness, and urgent relief. Kerala requested ₹2,221 crore to rebuild lives after the landslide, but the Central government sanctioned only ₹260 crore—a fraction of what was needed.” She emphasized that residents who lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones anticipated substantial assistance, especially following the Prime Minister’s visit, but were met with inadequate support instead.
Gandhi underscored that relief and rehabilitation efforts should transcend political motives and highlighted the importance of addressing human suffering with dignity and justice.
In related developments, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan disclosed in the state legislative assembly that the ₹260.65 crore approved by the Centre had yet to be received. The state initially sought ₹2,262 crore based on early evaluations, which was later revised to ₹2,221.10 crore following a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) to support survivors and those who lost their livelihoods.
The Centre’s proposal was reviewed by a sub-committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC), which deliberated with a state-level panel led by Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak. Vijayan reiterated Kerala’s call for the landslide to be officially categorized as both a “national disaster” and a “disaster of severe nature.” He also noted that the state had requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to restore Section 13 of the Disaster Management Act, which would allow for loan waivers for survivors, but had yet to receive a favorable response.
