Argument over Wayanad in Rajya Sabha

An argument broke out in Rajya Sabha between Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and LoP Mallikarjun Kharge over the landslide in Wayanad.

Dhankhar refused to admit adjournment motions submitted to him demanding a discussion on the tragedy and informed the House that the Centre and the Kerala government are “working in tandem and togetherness” to provide all relief and rehabilitation measures.

As the Chairman asserted that the PM, the HM, the central government, and the Kerala CM and his government took cognisance of the tragedy “before sunrise”, Kharge urged the Chair to allow Congress MP from Kerala Jebi Mather to address the House on the issue. The LoP said the information provided by the Chair should have come from the Treasury Benches after Mather’s intervention.

Dhankhar took exception to Kharge’s submission, claiming he “understands the satire” that the LoP was making towards him and asserted that the Chairman need not be told what information he should impart to the House. As Kharge insisted that an MP from Kerala should be allowed to speak on the tragedy, Dhankhar turned down the request.

As Opposition members protested against the Chairman’s decision, Dhankhar allowed the members who had submitted a prior notice on the issue to make brief submissions.

While CPI MP Sandosh Kumar P demanded that the landslide be declared a national calamity, IUML’s Abdul Wahab demanded additional central funds for relief measures.

Jose K Mani lashed out, asking why the Chair and Treasury did not allow a proper discussion on such a distressing and unprecedented tragedy. Congress MP Mather also sought additional disaster management funds. As CPM MP AA Raheem urged for additional central assistance, Dhankhar told Opposition MPs not to politicize the tragedy “without knowing” what efforts the Centre was making.

Leader of the House JP Nadda said this was not just a tragedy for Kerala but for the country, and the Centre, under PM Modi’s guidance, was providing all necessary relief and assistance. Nadda assured the House that the Centre would continue to extend all resource and support that Kerala requires.

“The primary requirement right now is to retrieve the bodies and save those who are trapped,” Nadda said, adding all these efforts are being made and the PM is very proactive. Nadda told the Opposition that getting agitated would not serve any purpose; everyone must work together.

Coal minister G Kishan Reddy informed the House that the Army was also being mobilised and had been dispatched for relief measures.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre would return to the House with more details soon. Rijiju said funds have been given in advance to Kerala under the NDRF as is the usual procedure.

As John Brittas asserted the need for more funds, Rijiju said, “This is not the time to play politics; this is a serious matter.” Rijiju added that Union minister from Kerala Joseph Kurien had also been sent to the site to coordinate relief measures.

Rijiju said this is the time for rescue and relief and the next step would be reconstruction and rehabilitation and that he would urge the Home Ministry to come out with a detailed report for the House as soon as possible.