Wayanad, Feb 28 (NationPress) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Lok Sabha MP representing Wayanad and AICC General Secretary, expressed her concerns on Saturday regarding the Centre's lack of responsiveness in providing financial aid to those affected by the July 2024 landslides. Despite this, she acknowledged the commendable progress in the rehabilitation efforts within the district.

During her media interaction, the Congress leader conveyed her satisfaction with the ongoing rehabilitation work, particularly praising the quality of housing being developed. “From what I've observed, the quality of at least one house is commendable. Any assistance provided to those who have endured such a catastrophic event is heartening. I have no negative comments,” she stated.

When questioned about whether the rehabilitation could serve as a template for other regions, she opted to avoid making direct comparisons. “Honestly, I can't comment on others as I haven't seen their efforts,” she remarked, adding a suggestion to increase tree planting in the community.

On the role of various stakeholders, she noted that governments generally possess more financial resources and expedited processes for obtaining necessary permits and approvals. “Clearly, we are all contributing to this effort,” she highlighted, mentioning that the Indian National Congress is dedicated to building 100 houses and recently initiated its housing project with Rahul Gandhi's involvement.

She recognized that acquiring the necessary permissions and clearances delayed her party’s housing initiative. Furthermore, she acknowledged the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for constructing homes for families affected by the disaster, calling the rehabilitation process a “collective effort” and appreciating the involvement of both political parties and the government.

Nonetheless, she criticized the Centre's reaction to the disaster. “The Centre has not been very forthcoming,” she noted, emphasizing that the issue has been consistently raised in Parliament.

She mentioned reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah alongside other Kerala MPs to advocate for increased aid.

Although the demand to classify the disaster as a national calamity was initially dismissed, she stated it was later recognized as one of “severe nature” after persistent representations.

When asked if this situation might become a political issue leading up to the elections, Vadra acknowledged that some political discourse is inevitable. “If you have accomplished something, you will discuss it. If you haven't, then there’s nothing to say,” she observed.

Addressing inquiries about financial contributions, she clarified that Congress MPs chose to directly support victims through independent housing projects rather than funneling funds to the state government's township initiative. She stressed that the primary goal was to provide practical and prompt aid to the families impacted by the disaster.