Priyanka Gandhi leads protest in Parliament demanding relief for landslide-hit Wayanad

Opposition MPs from Kerala, led by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest at Makar Dwar in Parliament on December 13, demanding a special relief package for Wayanad, which was severely affected by landslides on July 30, 2023. The protest was supported by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. The MPs displayed banners that read, “Justice for Wayanad. Provide relief package for Wayanad” and “Wayanad ko nyay do, bhedbhav na karein” (Justice for Wayanad, no discrimination).

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking at the protest, accused the central government of refusing to provide a special relief package to Wayanad, which suffered extensive damage due to the landslides. She stated that despite similar large-scale devastation in Himachal Pradesh, the Centre had denied Wayanad the necessary relief funds, attributing the delay to political factors. Gandhi Vadra emphasized that there should be no discrimination in relief efforts, and the people of Wayanad, like others affected by natural disasters, are entitled to support from the government.

The landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30 were some of the most devastating in the state’s history. The disaster affected the Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions, where large portions of land were washed away, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives. Many people were injured, and hundreds of families were displaced. In addition to the human toll, the landslides caused widespread destruction of homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure, leaving the affected areas in urgent need of aid for both immediate relief and long-term recovery.

In response to the crisis, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Kerala MPs met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 3, urging the Centre to release funds for the rehabilitation of Wayanad. The MPs highlighted the need for an immediate financial package to support reconstruction efforts, citing the severity of the damage in the region. Gandhi Vadra called for a swift response from the government, stressing the importance of providing timely assistance to mitigate the suffering of the affected population.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad shortly after the landslides, conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas. He later visited the disaster sites to review the ongoing relief operations and ensure that resources were being deployed effectively. Despite the Prime Minister’s visit and the relief efforts initiated by the state government, local leaders and MPs argue that the central government’s response has not been adequate to meet the scale of the disaster. The region continues to face significant challenges in recovering from the damage, with infrastructure rebuilding and the rehabilitation of displaced families still ongoing.

The landslides in Wayanad were part of a broader pattern of natural disasters that have affected Kerala in recent years. The state has experienced multiple landslides and floods, which have caused substantial loss of life and property. While state and local governments have provided support, many leaders have called for greater central government involvement in the recovery process, particularly in light of the severity of the July 30 landslides. The ongoing recovery efforts in Wayanad will require sustained financial and logistical assistance, as the region works to rebuild its infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods.