Cong BJP members spar in LS during Calling Attention Motion on Wayanad landslides issue

    New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Congress and BJP members indulged in a war of words in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday during a Calling Attention Motion on Wayanad landslides issue.
     BJP MP Tejaswi Surya attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has represented Wayanad, alleging that he never raised the issue of landslides in his constituency.
     Participating in a Calling Attention Motion on the loss of lives and property due to landslides and floods in various parts of the country, Surya also claimed that despite recommendations by the Kerala disaster management body, illegal encroachments were not removed in Wayanad due to alleged pressure from religious organisations.
     His remarks led to protests by Congress members forcing Speaker Om Birla to briefly adjourn the proceedings.
     When the House resumed proceedings, Congress MP KC Venugopal asserted that as Wayanad MP, Gandhi had raised the issue of eco-sensitive Wayanad on several occasions. He claimed that Surya was trying to sabotage the debate and he will have to apologise for making "false claims" about Gandhi.
     "House records will prove that Rahul Gandhi has raised the issue several times," Venugopal said.
     Leader of Opposition Gandhi also urged the government to extend all possible help to the people of landslides-hit Wayanad and look into the "ecological issue" there.
     He also urged the Centre to come up with a high-tech solution for preventing such tragedies in the future.
     Gandhi said a "huge tragedy" had taken place in Kerala's Wayanad, and lauded the military's efforts there.
     "I think it is very important that we support the people of Wayanad, that we give them as much support as possible and I request the government to help the people of Wayanad in this difficult time," the former Congress chief said.
     "I think this is the second time this tragedy has taken place, it took place five years ago and it is quite clear that this area has an ecological issue, so this should be looked into. Whatever high-tech solution can be brought forward, that would be good," Gandhi said.
     The devastating series of landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has claimed the lives of at least 132 people and injured more than 200, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers search through the debris.
     The Calling Attention Motion was taken up as the House was discussing Demands for Grants for the railway ministry
     Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in his open remarks for the motion said disaster management has improved in the last ten years and the loss of lives and property has also been reduced.
     He also said timely warnings were issued to the Kerala government about possible floods and landslides.
     Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran appealed to the Speaker to discuss with political parties and direct for grant from MPLAD funds, citing example of the Tsunami rehabilitation measures in 2004.
    "In the year 2004 when Tsunami took place, then Speaker Somnath Chatterjee with the request from MPs of concerned states, a direction was given that Rs 10 lakh from the MPLAD fund of each MP can be utilised for rehabiliation and rescue measures of the particular disaster. I appeal to the Speaker to discuss with political parties and issue a direction, so rehabilitation and rescue measures can be done using MPLAD funds," he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)