NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded govt to declare the recent landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad a national disaster.
Calling it a huge tragedy, Rahul while speaking during Zero Hour on the disaster that hit villages in Wayanad district on July 30 urged govt to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, build disaster-resistant infrastructure, and enhance compensation for the affected.
Interestingly, as Rahul stood up to speak, some members from the treasury benches were on their feet, as it appeared that the Congress leader was going to bring up the issue of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. However, the ruckus died down as Rahul started speaking on the landslides.
Rahul, who won from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies in the recent parliamentary elections and decided to retain the latter, said, “I saw it myself. I visited many different places where the disaster took place. In some cases, an entire family is gone, with just one person remaining, sometimes an adult or a child… With more than 200 dead and a vast number missing, the eventual casualty count may exceed 400.”
He also expressed his gratitude to those who helped during the disaster and commended the work of the state govts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana for their assistance as well the central forces and the army that helped in the rescue operations in Wayanad.
Highlighting the unity shown by communities, he said, “It is heartening to see all communities coming together to help people, regardless of different ideologies.”
The Congress MP, who visited Wayanad along with sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra last week, also pointed out that the landslides in Wayanad had cut off vital roads, exacerbating the crisis.
Priyanka will contest from the Wayanad seat in the upcoming bypoll.
Calling it a huge tragedy, Rahul while speaking during Zero Hour on the disaster that hit villages in Wayanad district on July 30 urged govt to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, build disaster-resistant infrastructure, and enhance compensation for the affected.
Interestingly, as Rahul stood up to speak, some members from the treasury benches were on their feet, as it appeared that the Congress leader was going to bring up the issue of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. However, the ruckus died down as Rahul started speaking on the landslides.
Rahul, who won from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies in the recent parliamentary elections and decided to retain the latter, said, “I saw it myself. I visited many different places where the disaster took place. In some cases, an entire family is gone, with just one person remaining, sometimes an adult or a child… With more than 200 dead and a vast number missing, the eventual casualty count may exceed 400.”
He also expressed his gratitude to those who helped during the disaster and commended the work of the state govts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana for their assistance as well the central forces and the army that helped in the rescue operations in Wayanad.
Highlighting the unity shown by communities, he said, “It is heartening to see all communities coming together to help people, regardless of different ideologies.”
The Congress MP, who visited Wayanad along with sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra last week, also pointed out that the landslides in Wayanad had cut off vital roads, exacerbating the crisis.
Priyanka will contest from the Wayanad seat in the upcoming bypoll.