Negligence or Crime? BJP's Chandrasekhar Blasts Kerala's Handling of Wayanad Landslides

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused successive state governments in Kerala of negligence that led to the Wayanad landslides and resultant loss of lives. He questioned the commercial interests behind the negligence and criticized Rahul Gandhi for diverting attention from accountability. The Modi government has pledged continued assistance.

BJP leader and former union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged on Friday that the landslides in Wayanad and the resultant loss of lives were due to negligence by successive state governments in Kerala since 2009.

Addressing reporters in the national capital, Chandrasekhar described the situation in Wayanad as ''not a tragedy, but a crime.''

He stressed the need for questions about the reasons behind the negligence and the possible commercial interests involved, emphasizing that the people of Wayanad paid the price.

''There has been negligence and we should not forget who should be held accountable for it,'' he stated.

The BJP leader also criticized Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of using the issue of ED raids to evade questions on the landslides and accountability.

''The Congress has adopted this strategy to avoid tough questions,'' Chandrasekhar claimed.

Chandrasekhar highlighted that the Narendra Modi government has provided extensive assistance to the state and will continue to do so.

The district administration reported that 205 people have died and 264 have been injured in the landslides that hit Wayanad district three days ago.

Approximately 300 people are still missing, and rescue workers face adverse conditions, including waterlogged soil, as they search for survivors and bodies.

(With inputs from agencies.)