Basic facilities lacking in relief camps, says CPI(M) Kerala secretary M.V. Govindan

CPI(M) Kerala secretary M.V. Govindan criticized the State government on Tuesday for inadequate facilities in relief camps established due to recent floods. At a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Govindan visited a camp at Providence College in Kozhikode and reported that residents have complained about the lack of basic amenities.

The government, according to Govindan, has failed to provide essential daily-use items, despite previous years of providing such facilities. He emphasized that the situation is widespread across the State and not limited to a few instances. Govindan also accused Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan of poor coordination in managing the relief efforts, suggesting that Satheesan's focus on other activities, such as inaugurating jewelry shops and attending banquets, has been misplaced.

He pointed out that Satheesan's responses have come across as mocking to the flood-affected people. Regarding Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism, Govindan debunked allegations that Vijayan used a helicopter for personal reasons, explaining that Vijayan used a helicopter to urgently meet with a Central team following the Ockhi cyclone.

Lastly, Govindan alleged that the United Democratic Front government's suspension of an under secretary over a letter supporting BJP councillor R. Sugathan shows the party's efforts to retain power in the Corporation they control.