Thiruvananthapuram: BJP state general secretary Anoop Antony has accused UDF govt of neglecting people affected by rain-related incidents in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha, alleging that the districts were being overlooked as Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) had no MLAs or significant political influence there.Antony alleged that weeks after govt announced immediate financial assistance for rain-affected families, not a single rupee had been disbursed. He accused govt of citing technical and procedural reasons to justify the delay.“People who have lost everything in the monsoon disaster haven’t even received the promised immediate assistance of Rs 10,000,” Antony said, adding that the delay made the Onam season particularly difficult for the affected families.According to govt data, 27 people died in rain-related incidents, while 27,048 people were shifted to 462 relief camps. Crops across 1,882 hectares were also damaged, affecting 23,537 farmers. The total agricultural loss has been estimated at Rs 68 crore.Antony said that govt failed to implement its announcement to provide Rs 300 per day for seven days to two members of each affected family. Even application forms and beneficiary lists have not been prepared, he added.He alleged that IUML was “calling the shots” in UDF govt and issues of regions where the party had influence were being given priority.“Is govt ignoring the disaster-hit people in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha because Muslim League has no MLAs there?” Antony asked. He sought clarification from chief minister V D Satheesan on whether political considerations were influencing the distribution of relief.Antony urged govt to stop citing procedural hurdles and immediately disburse the financial assistance announced for the victims. He called for urgent measures to support families who had lost their houses, livelihoods and belongings during the monsoon.
