Kerala floods 2026: Chief Minister comes under Opposition criticism over flood management, participation in private events

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan faced sharp criticism from the Opposition over his handling of the flood situation and his participation in private events during the crisis. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) accused him of failing to protect the lives and property of the people, as the primary duty of an administrator.

The party pointed out that Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts, which received the most rainfall, had only an orange alert until Saturday morning, yet many areas were already underwater by the time the red alert was announced, indicating mismanagement. The CPI(M) also criticized the Coastal Police for arriving 13 hours late to rescue fishermen whose boat capsized near Muthalapozhi in Thiruvananthapuram.

Additionally, the party condemned Satheesan for using the government helicopter for private purposes and hosting a feast at his house during the floods. Congress MLA C. Noushad Ali of Ponnani called for the Chief Minister to refrain from such activities during times of disaster, emphasizing that it is not appropriate for him to attend private functions while people are suffering.

The CPI(M) contrasted Satheesan's conduct with that of Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan during his tenure as Chief Minister, highlighting Vijayan's constant interaction with the press during crisis situations, which helped to maintain public confidence and alertness. Vijayan expressed concern over the negligence and lack of coordination on the part of the government, including the failure to issue proper warnings before the opening of a dam near Ranni and the inadequate food distribution in relief camps. He urged the government to examine the lapses and prevent them from recurring in the future.