‘Relief must rise above politics’: Priyanka Gandhi hits out at Centre after Wayanad floods; questions insufficient aid

Priyanka Gandhi (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: Congress General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday sharply criticised the Central government for its insufficient response to the recent landslide disaster in Kerala’s Wayanad district.She highlighted that while the state requested Rs 2,221 crore to support relief and reconstruction efforts, the Centre approved only ₹260 crore, a small fraction of the requirement.In a post on X, Gandhi said, “The people of Wayanad faced a devastating tragedy that demanded compassion, fairness, and urgent relief. Kerala requested ₹2,221 crore to rebuild lives after the landslide, but the Central government sanctioned only ₹260 crore — a fraction of what was needed.” She added that the people of Wayanad, who lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones, had expected meaningful assistance, particularly following the prime minister’s visit, but received insufficient support instead. Gandhi emphasised that relief and rehabilitation efforts should rise above politics and that human suffering must not be treated as a political opportunity. She added that the people of Wayanad deserve justice, adequate support and dignity.. Meanwhile, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday informed the state legislative assembly that the Rs 260.65 crore reportedly sanctioned by the Centre has not yet been received. The state had initially sought Rs 2,262 crore based on preliminary assessments, while a subsequent Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) revised the requirement to Rs 2,221.10 crore to aid survivors, dependents and those who lost their livelihoods.The Centre’s proposal was reviewed by a sub-committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC), which held discussions with a state-level panel headed by Chief Secretary A Jayathilak.Vijayan reiterated Kerala’s demand for the Wayanad landslide to be declared both a “national disaster” and a “disaster of severe nature.” He also observed that the state sought the PM’s intervention to restore Section 13 of the Disaster Management Act, which would allow loan waivers for survivors but had received no favourable response so far.