Rahul Gandhi listens to woes of camp inmates; slams Kerala govt's lapses

Kochi: Days after the floods, Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited a few relief camps in Ernakulam district, including those in Thelathuruth village near Manjali, Paravoor, and St. Francis Azeezi school, Athani, on Wednesday.

Mr. Gandhi, who spoke with his usual 'namaskar' after listening to the woes of the inmates, said, "I am here to see you all and be with you. I know the past two weeks were not good for you. But we will help you to get back the things that were lost in the floods," he said.

Most of the woes were about their belongings and desperation about the life which has to be started from ground zero.

He criticised the state government's lapses in flood relief and said he will raise the issue in Parliament.

 "The state government owes you money. I will raise this issue in Parliament. Unfortunately, we are not in power in the state and at the centre, but I promise that I will pressure the central government to be more conscious about Kerala," he said. "I know things will not be good for you for the next two-three years. But our members are with you. I have told all the Congress workers to support the people who have lost everything and be with them," he said.

He also lauded the people of Kerala for their strength in surviving a disaster that ravaged the state.

 "You were all together in the bad times. That's your quality, your dignity," he said.

Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, former chief minister Oommen Chandy, KPCC president M.M. Hassan, K.C. Venugopal MP, V.D. Satheeshan MLA, K.V. Thomas MP were also present. Mr Gandhi also found time to take photos with the kids in the camp.

He later visited the house of Sajeev Kunjayyappan, a resident of Thelathuruth, which was damaged in the flood. The flood water has weakened the walls of the Nikathumthara house and it may fall any time.