Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Sunday criticized the central government for demanding payment for disaster relief and rescue operations conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the Wayanad landslides.
He described the move as “adding spice to the wounds” of a state burdened by post-disaster burdens.
Addressing reporters here, Balgopal alleged that the BJP-ruled Center had “failed” to provide even the promised funds to the state for disaster relief. The Finance Minister alleged that this was tantamount to mocking the people of the state.
“In addition to this approach, a new bill has been introduced in the name of the Air Force,” he said.
“In fact, this approach is like adding chili to a serious wound,” added Balagopal.
He questioned the stand of BJP leaders including Union Minister Suresh Gopi and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan on issues affecting Kerala.
Balagopal made these comments in response to queries regarding a letter dated October 22, 2024 titled “Outstanding Airlift Charges” received from then Chief Secretary V Venu’s office on November 2.
It had details of unpaid bills of over Rs 100 crore related to rescue operations during the 2018 floods and over Rs 13 crore for IAF operations after the July 30 landslide in Wayanad.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticized the Left government in a letter, accusing it of creating a “row”.
According to his post on ‘X’, “Reimbursement of cost to @IAF_MCC for relief operations is done regularly by all state governments.” “But @pinarayivijayan’s government has a budget of 2 lakh crores/year. Why is this a “row” bcm?” He expressed surprise.
A July 30 landslide in Wayanad destroyed three villages—Punchirimattam, Churalmala and Mundakkai—as well as large parts of sections of Attamala, killing 231 people, according to the state government.
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