Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticises centre for lack of special assistance post-Wayanad landslide
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed disappointment over the lack of special assistance from the central government following the devastating landslides in Wayanad. He stated that despite requesting an emergency relief fund of Rs 291 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, only Rs 145.6 crore, which was previously sanctioned, has been provided. "This is a routine procedure and not specific disaster-related aid," Vijayan emphasised.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is yet to receive any special support from the Centre. The matter was discussed in the recent Cabinet meeting, where it was decided to urge the central government once again to release the necessary aid promptly.
Vijayan also condemned the media for spreading what he termed as a "false narrative" that the Kerala government had inflated damage estimates to unfairly secure central assistance. He stated that this misinformation has discredited the state government and its relief efforts on a global scale.
"This is not just a case of false reporting or a lapse in media ethics. It is a deliberate attempt against the state and its people, aimed at eroding support for the relief fund. Such 'destructive journalism' is a crime against society and those responsible must recognize the gravity of their actions," the Chief Minister said.
The landslides in Wayanad, triggered by heavy rains, led to significant loss of life and property in Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district.
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Mangaluru Dasara Mahotsava inaugurated at Gokarnanath Temple
Mangaluru: The grand annual ‘Mangaluru Dasara Mahotsava’ was inaugurated at Shri Gokarnanath Temple in Kudroli on Thursday by former Union Minister B. Janardhan Poojary. The event marks the beginning of the vibrant Dasara celebrations in the city.
As part of the traditional rituals, devotees carried the specially adorned idol of Goddess Sharada in a ceremonial procession around the temple premises before installing it in the main hall for worship. In addition to the Sharada, the idols of Mahaganapathi and the nine forms of Durga were also installed for special prayers and offerings during the festival, which will continue until October 13.
The inaugural ceremony featured a performance by the renowned tiger dancers, a highlight of the Kudroli festivities. The temple was decorated for the occasion, and lighting arrangements, along with other festive decorations, have been set up across the city by devotees to celebrate Mangaluru Dasara.
The celebrations will culminate on the evening of Sunday, October 13, with a grand procession of the idols through the streets of Mangaluru, marking the conclusion of the Mahotsava.
