Wayanad Landslides: BJP Accuses Kerala Govt Of 'Siphoning Off Relief Fund' As Rivals Question 'Delay In Central Aid'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad on August 10 and pledged full support for the rehabilitation initiatives, assuring that the central government would provide all possible assistance.

The landslides, which struck the Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions of Wayanad on July 30, resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 200 people reported dead. (File Photo)

Source : PTI

In the aftermath of the landslides in Wayanad, Kerala BJP criticised the state government, alleging misuse of funds. Union Minister Suresh Gopi, when questioned by the media about the delay in central assistance for the landslide-affected region, directed the query towards Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. On the other hand, BJP leader V Muraleedharan accused the Kerala government of attempting to exploit the Wayanad calamity for financial gain.

When Suresh Gopi was quotioned over the delay in central aid for the landslide-hit Wayanad, he said, "You ask your Chief Minister... what is the system? I don't like this at all...You ask your CM... let him tell how it (central aid) comes."

Gopi expressed his displeasure with the situation, suggesting that the Chief Minister is well aware of how the system operates, implying that the state government might be responsible for the delay. 

However, Muraleedharan expressed shock over the government's expenditure figures, particularly pointing out claims of Rs 11 crore being spent on purchasing clothes. He mentioned that while voluntary organizations had taken up the burial of victims without any charges, the government had indicated an expenditure of Rs 75,000 for each deceased individual. Muraleedharan accused the state government of trying to siphon off the aid money meant for relief and rehabilitation.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | On Wayanad landslides, BJP leader V Muraleedharan says," The Wayanad calamity was a shocking incident...Unfortunately, the Kerala govt is trying to gain financial benefits. I don't know who is benefitting. Figures are coming out that Rs 11… pic.twitter.com/bcSv0Wu7zE

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2024

On July 30, the landslides, struck Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions of Wayanad, resulting in a significant loss of life, with over 200 people reported dead. The scale of destruction has almost decimated these areas, highlighting the need for extensive rehabilitation efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad on August 10 and pledged full support for the rehabilitation initiatives, assuring that the central government would provide all possible assistance.