CPM keeps out critical' MLAs

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM kept out two 'critical' MLAs--Saji Cherian of Chengannur and Raju Abraham of Ranni--from the flood debate in  the Assembly on Thursday as they had earlier expressed their concern over the handling of the flood situation by the government. Chengannur and Ranni were among the worst-hit areas and both MLAs had criticised the administration for failing to alert the people in time before opening the shutters of the dams and the lack of men and materials for rescue operations. However, Ms Veena George, representing Aranmula, who was also critical of the administration, avoided it in her speech in the House.

Ms George created a ruckus by alleging that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to enter a relief camp by the inmates saying that it was only days after the floods that the Congressmen had come to visit them. Though Mr P.T. Thomas (Congress) demanded that the remarks should be expunged, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan said a decision will be taken after examining the portion.

Mr K.B. Ganesh Kumar asked why there was need for a disaster management authority which only wastes government's money. It failed to intervene during the floods and it was the police, fire force and revenue officers who were leading the rescue operations.

 The authority officials come in the morning and leave at 5 p.m. It was not interested even in buying necessary equipment for the fire force. He asked the government to provide boats with efficient engines to police and fire stations in the areas where there are lakes and rivers. 

Mr O. Rajagopal of the BJP took exception to the alleged attempt of the CPM to capture relief camps. The flood-hit were helped by the locals and voluntary organisations.

 "The government officials reached only late. But after that, the CPM men came to take over the camp. That was a new practice," Mr Rajagopal alleged.