New Delhi [India], December 14 : Opposition MPs from Kerala, including Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest at Makar Dwar in Parliament, demanding a relief package for Wayanad, which was severely impacted by a landslide. Priyanka Gandhi, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, and CPI(M) MP John Brittas were among the protesters, holding banners that read “Justice for Wayanad. Provide relief package for Wayanad” and “Wayanad ko nyay do, bedbav na karein” (Justice for Wayanad, there should be no discrimination).
Speaking to the media, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the central government of refusing to provide a special relief package for Wayanad. She emphasized that there should be “no discrimination” in the response to natural disasters. “The government is refusing to give a special package to Wayanad. We have requested the Home Minister and written to the Prime Minister. Himachal Pradesh, which also experienced similar devastation, has a Congress government, and despite seeking assistance from the Centre, the victims in both cases are being denied help due to political reasons. They are citizens of India and should not face discrimination during natural disasters,” said Priyanka Gandhi.
Earlier, on December 3, Priyanka Gandhi and other Kerala MPs met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to provide immediate relief for the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad. Priyanka emphasized the severity of the disaster and requested that the necessary funds be released for rehabilitation efforts. She highlighted the massive devastation, with many lives lost and entire families wiped out.
The landslide, which struck Kerala on July 30, was the deadliest in the state’s history, claiming more than 300 lives and destroying numerous homes and buildings. The affected areas included Mundakkai and Chooralmala. During his visit to Wayanad, Prime Minister Modi conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas before visiting the site to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.