CPI(M) leaders criticise Kerala CM over attending events during rain disaster

Leaders of the CPI(M) party have sharply criticized Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, accusing him of an "inappropriate and ill-timed" visit to a Youth League leader's home for a meal while thousands across the state grappled with the aftermath of rain-related disasters. Rajya Sabha MP A.A. Rahim shared visuals of Satheesan attending an event in Malappuram, questioning the priority given to personal hospitality over disaster coordination.

Rahim stated that during such a serious crisis, it is the chief minister's primary responsibility to instill confidence and efficiently coordinate relief operations as the chairperson of the State Disaster Management Authority. He alleged that prioritizing personal interests and hospitality over official duties amounted to a challenge to the public, urging Satheesan to cancel all other engagements and focus on disaster relief.

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Setting aside these official responsibilities and spending time as a guest at a Youth League leader's house is completely inappropriate and ill-timed.

Former MLA V.K. Prasanth echoed these sentiments, sharing videos of the chief minister's visit and drawing a comparison with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who, Prasanth claimed, always canceled events to coordinate rescue operations during natural disasters. As of Sunday, neither Satheesan nor other UDF leaders had responded to the allegations. Satheesan had attended various events in Malappuram on Saturday, the same day multiple landslides and floods were reported across Kerala, resulting in several fatalities.

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when the entire state was gripped by fear and anxiety, giving priority to personal interests and hospitality over official responsibilities amounted to a challenge to the people.