Floods In Karnataka, But Tears Only For Kerala? Netizens Upset With Congress Government For Its Apathetic Attitude

In the last few days, images of Wayanad affected by floods have been doing the rounds on social media. While the Indian Army has hit the ground for rescue and rehabilitation efforts, political heads are also tilting towards the state.

After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's absence at the affected location was questioned by many on social media, the Gandhis — Rahul and Priyanka — visited the state. This becomes important since Wayanad will be going for a by-election soon.

Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi decided to retain his Rae Bareli seat after the 2024 Lok Sabha election results were declared and he emerged victorious from the constituency.

Rumours have it that Priyanka will be contesting from Wayanad, and the party is leaving no stone unturned to ensure Congress' presence is felt in the district.

In response to a tweet by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah where he announced the construction of 100 houses for the victims of the Wayanad floods, a user replied — "Sir, Bengaluru too is in India. Please have a look at it too. It's been orphaned for many years! We don't have money to even fill minor potholes!"

Interestingly, the Kerala government had been warned about the possibility of floods months before the situation came knocking. This was reiterated in Parliament by Home Minister Amit Shah who said that the state government was given no less than four warnings on different occasions advising them to relocate residents living in areas that are prone to potential flooding.

Predictably, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has refuted Shah's claims and hit back at the Centre for 'negligence'.

As Kerala continues to struggle, the Gandhis seem to have tasked the Government of Karnataka to assist the southern state by building homes for rehabilitation and helping the team in the rescue efforts.

Another 'X' user @NarenMenon1 replied to Karnataka Congress minister K J George: "Achaya, you are minister in the KARNATAKA state government What have you felt (forget about doing) for the landslide victims of Uttara Kannada which happens to be in the state of KARNATAKA, a state you happen to be a minister in?"

This is coming at a time when Karnataka's Western Ghats and parts of the coastal districts are inundated due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

Karnataka's Labour Minister Santosh Lad has been deputed to assist the Kerala government in accelerating the search and rescue efforts. But this touch of 'cooperation' has not gone well with Kannadigas, as many have taken to social media to question the government's intent towards their own state and the areas that are affected by landslides and floods.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Energy, K J George, have been questioned by concerned citizens who are angry at the inaction shown by the Congress government in the state. This comes in the wake of the pro-Kannada legislation introduced by the state government.

Their alleged apathy towards the locals is resulting in anger against the government and in particular Malayali leaders like K J George and N A Harris who enjoy plump portfolios in the state. When the Congress introduced reservations for locals in industries, the bill was immediately criticised by Kerala Congress leaders like Shashi Tharoor.

Communist leaders from Kerala expressed their concerns too. This is because of the large number of Malayalis who live and work in Bengaluru city and send home money for sustenance.

Meanwhile, parts of Karnataka, including coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi remain affected by the floods as Phalguni and Netravati rivers rise.

Shambhavi and Swarna rivers have risen too, causing floods in the region. Hundreds of people and cattle have been displaced and infrastructure has been damaged.

After mounting pressure, CM Siddaramaiah visited parts of northern Karnataka like Belagavi and has assured relief to the locals there. About 6,000 families have been displaced in Bagalkot and Belagavi alone.

Nearly 250 villages in the aforementioned places are flood-affected due to an overflow of Malaprabha, Ghataprabha and Krishna rivers. Revenue loss is estimated at Rs 1,000 crore.

While the Congress continues to blame the Centre for not transferring enough funds, the fact that taxpayer money from Karnataka is being spent on rehabilitation efforts in Kerala is pushing public opinion against the state government.