On August 6, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran criticized the government for allegedly discriminating against Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) volunteers in Wayanad district that was affected by a landslides.
According to Mr. Sudhakaran, it was in response to allegations that the administration and police of Wayanad district prevented White Guard Volunteers of Muslim Youth League, one of the offshoots of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which is one of the key allies of UDF from delivering food and medicine to survivors and relief workers at the disaster site.
He noted that it was surprising to see how much opposition workers had volunteered their time and services. In retaliation, the government denied public access for assistance by UDF supporters.
The leader warned against politicizing rescue and relief operations by government authorities. Consequently, he said: “They have to account for every penny spent through the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). They should not engage in petty politics.”
On August 5, Revenue Minister K. Rajan rejected Opposition’s claim that Government gave political tint to the relief and rescue operations.
He said outside “protected” areas voluntary organizations were free to distribute food with prior permission from food safety officials.
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran stated that about 1,500 volunteers from different social strata affiliated with different political groups assisted approximately equal number of Central as well as State forces carrying out search operation.
He then added that overcrowding was a risk that could be ill-afforded in landslides-prone disaster zone by his administration.
Mr. Saseendran further stated they can remain on reserve unless called upon by the government serving as a relief force when necessary.
