Rahul lays stone for houses for Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides survivors

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the houses to be built by the Congress for the survivors of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides at Meppadi in Wayanad district.

The party is constructing 60 houses of 1,100 sq ft. Addressing a public event, Mr. Gandhi recalled visiting the landslides-hit people. “You have lost a lot, but you have not lost your spirit. You never lost your courage. Most importantly, you did not lose your compassion,” he said.

Mr. Gandhi said his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Wayanad MP, had pointed out the alleged delays in the process of constructing houses for the victims. “There were complexities related to permissions, land and other issues. Now, I hope it will be completed soon,” he said.

Mr. Gandhi described the foundation-stone laying ceremony as a “symbol and a message” to the affected families. “In this process of recovery and healing, we are with you. We will stand with you whenever you need us,” he said.

Ms. Vadra said she had seen the hardship of people who lost everything, including their families. She spoke about Anyan and Hanni, who lost their farms and family members in the landslide. “We have tried our best to raise your voice in Parliament again and again. All our MPs met the Home Minister to demand that it be declared a national disaster. We wrote to the Prime Minister and held protests outside Parliament,” she said.

Ms. Vadra complimented the survivors for their courage when they faced a tragedy. “The way you all stood together, no matter what religion or section you belong to, you gave love and courage when it mattered most,” she said. Senior United Democratic Front leaders were present.