Rahul tells people at flood relief camp in Kerala: You are not alone, Congress helping in its limited way

Opinion | To recover, Kerala needs to follow the ‘Build Back Better’ policy and become more accountable

Gandhi, who arrived in the state on Tuesday, also visited flood relief camps in Chengannur, Chalakudy and Paravur, some of the worst affected areas.

At the camp in Athani, Gandhi, accompanied by Leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala, former CM Oommen Chandy, KPCC president M M Hassan and MLAs Anwar Sadath and Hybi Eden, walked through the centre of a hall filled with several families affected by the floods. He shook hands with many of them, asked them their problems and assured them that the party’s local MLA and leaders would help them survive the tragedy.

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He also praised people of the state for standing together. “Every single Keralite should be proud of how the state has fought this tragedy, everyone irrespective of community and religious differences stood together. The world admires your resilience,” he said. At an event to felicitate fishermen who had rescued people, Rahul said that if the Congress comes to power, a separate ministry for fisheries would be formed.

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The Congress chief acknowledged that he had seen with his own eyes the magnitude of the tragedy. ‘I understand how difficult it has been for you. I can see the fear in your eyes, but don’t worry. Be certain, we will help you,’ he said.

Mary, 73, one of the few people who was able to converse with the Congress party chief told the Indian Express that he had assured her that she would be helped by the party. The floodwaters had partially damaged Mary’s home where she lives alone. ‘I was happy I could speak to him,’ she said.

With inputs from Kochi