A day after the Left government in Kerala condemned the Centre for not allowing state Minister Veena George to travel to Kuwait for relief operations following a fire accident, BJP leader V Muraleedharan accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of attempting to gain political leverage from the tragedy. He also said that he did not find any reason for a state minister to visit Kuwait when everything was being taken care of government of India.
BJP leader V Muraleedharan said, "... The Kerala CM is trying to create political advantage by criticising PM Narendra Modi's government. In this tragic situation, it's a highly deplorable act on the part of the CM... The MoS MEA was in Kuwait overseeing and supervising all efforts of the repatriation of the mortal remains as well as the welfare of the injured. I don't find any reason for a state minister to go to Kuwait when everything is being taken care of by the GoI..."
Minister Veena George Denied Permission To Travel To Kuwait
The Kerala state government had planned to send Health Minister Veena George to Kuwait to assist with medical treatment for the injured and the repatriation of the deceased. However, the Union government reportedly denied permission for her travel, sparking a heated debate.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Congress-led opposition sharply criticized the Centre's decision. In contrast, the Centre's decision received backing from Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum Suresh Gopi.
On June 12, 49 people were killed in the fire at the Al-Mangaf building, with 45 of the victims being Indian nationals, according to officials. The building, located in southern Kuwait's Mangaf area, housed approximately 195 migrant workers.