Cong moves privilege motion against Shah over early warning claim on Wayanad

Shah had told Rajya Sabha Wednesday that the Centre warned the Kerala government on July 23 of the possibility of excessive rain and landslides, seven days before landslides in Wayanad district led to at least 210 deaths and the devastation of several villages.

“In his response to a Calling Attention on the Wayanad landslides in the Rajya Sabha on July 31, 2024, the Union Home Minister made several claims on early warning systems and how they were not utilised by the Kerala government in spite of alerts issued by the Union Government well ahead of the tragedy,” said Ramesh in his letter.

“These claims have been extensively fact-checked in the media. One such detailed fact-check published in The Hindu dated August 2, 2024 is attached,” he added.

Ramesh said: “It is clear that the Union Home Minister misled the Rajya Sabha by his emphatic statements on early warnings issued by the Union government which have been proven to be false”.

“It is well established that misleading the House by a Minister or a Member constitutes a breach of privilege and contempt of the House,” he said.

He said that under the circumstances, “privilege proceedings may be initiated against the Union Home Minister in this matter”.