GUWAHATI, JUL 27 (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday expressed their solidarity with Assam flood victims and demanded a permanent solution to the problem.
This year, 68 people have lost their lives in the Assam floods, which has left behind a trail of massive destruction.
They demanded a permanent solution to the problem, reminding how the BJP had come to power with that promise, and urged the governments to ensure relief and rehabilitation at the earliest for the affected people.
“Deeply distressed by the devastating floods in Assam, which have claimed at least 68 precious lives and caused immense suffering and destruction across the State. Almost 10 lakh people across 25 districts were affected,” Kharge said in a post on X.
He expressed his condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, crops and livestock,” he added.
The Congress president said the Union and state governments must mobilise every available resource for rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
Substantial assistance from the PM-CARES Fund must be released immediately for the flood-affected families, and adequate compensation must be provided for every life, home and livelihood lost, he asserted.
Kharge also pointed out that in its 2016 Assam Vision Document, the BJP had promised a permanent solution to the state’s recurring floods. During the 2021 Assembly election campaign, the Union Home Minister again promised to make Assam “flood-free” within five years.
“Ten years of BJP rule have now passed. What happened to those solemn promises? Why has Assam’s so-called “double-engine government” failed to build a comprehensive flood-control, erosion-management and rehabilitation system?” Kharge questioned.
He maintained that Assam needs a permanent, scientifically designed strategy encompassing modern early-warning systems, stronger and regularly maintained embankments, wetland restoration, accountable river-basin management, climate-resilient infrastructure and dignified rehabilitation for displaced families.
Kharge also appealed to all Congress leaders, workers and volunteers to provide every possible assistance to the affected people and support the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Gandhi, conveying his condolences to the bereaved families, said the news of deaths caused by the devastating floods is deeply saddening.
He expressed his solidarity with the lakhs of people affected by the deluge.
“It is expected that the Central and state governments will leave no stone unturned in providing relief and rescue to the affected people,” Gandhi said in a post on social media.
Mentioning the trail of deaths and damage left by the floods annually in the state, Gandhi affirmed that it was time to find a lasting solution to the problem.
“A system that scientifically prioritises prevention, early warning system, robust infrastructure and rehabilitation — so that people do not have to face such devastation every year,” the Congress leader added.
