"People of Bihar need permanent solution, not yearly relief": Rahul Gandhi hits out at state govt over floods
Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav demand permanent solutions for Bihar's recurring floods, questioning 17 years of BJP rule and lack of relief.
Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, demanding a permanent solution for the recurring flood crisis in Bihar rather than the "annual relief" currently being provided to the millions of affected citizens.
Permanent Solutions Needed, Not Yearly Relief: Rahul Gandhi
Expressing deep concern over the devastating impact of the floods, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha noted that the state is once again facing widespread destruction. According to Gandhi, hundreds of villages have been submerged, leaving millions of people in distress, with reports of deaths and missing persons surfacing across the state.
In a social media post, Gandhi extended his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones to the deluge. He pointedly questioned the efficacy of the "double-engine government," asking what significant changes have been made on the ground over the last 17 years to prevent this annual tragedy.
"The most heartbreaking thing is that this crisis in Bihar is not new. Every year, floods come, deaths occur, families are shattered, and people are forced to migrate. The BJP's double-engine government should tell us—what has it done in the last 17 years to address this annual tragedy?"
Gandhi emphasized that the people of Bihar are tired of mere assurances and temporary aid, stating that they deserve a long-term strategy to tackle the water crisis once and for all.
Tejashwi Yadav Slams Lack of Farmer Compensation
Joining the chorus of criticism, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav highlighted the plight of the agricultural sector. He alleged that despite heavy rains destroying vast stretches of crops, farmers have yet to receive any formal compensation.
Yadav accused the current administration of neglecting the welfare of the state, claiming that Bihar is currently struggling with high levels of debt, inflation, unemployment, and crime. He suggested that the ruling party's priorities do not align with the actual needs of the Bihari people.
Ground Reality: Lack of Basic Facilities in Chhapra
Independent MP Pappu Yadav provided a grim picture of the situation on the ground in Chhapra. After spending three days in the flood-affected region, he claimed that essential services were almost non-existent in many areas.
- Missing Essentials: Reports indicate a lack of generators, polythene sheets, community kitchens, and medical facilities.
- Water Crisis: There is a severe shortage of functional hand pumps in submerged areas.
- Direct Intervention: Pappu Yadav stated he had to personally arrange for over 50 generators and bathroom facilities to assist the victims.
Pappu Yadav questioned the whereabouts of local MPs and MLAs, alleging that the central government remains unaware of the severity of the crisis. He demanded a relief package of Rs 5,000 crore from the Centre and called for an investigation into irrigation-related contracts.
Demands for Accountability
The Independent MP went further, demanding that the government blacklist specific construction firms and register FIRs against contractors involved in irrigation works. He also called for the resignation of the Irrigation Minister, citing mismanagement of the state's water infrastructure.
Comparing Bihar's situation to other states, he questioned why there seems to be a lack of solidarity and rapid government action for Bihar compared to how floods are handled in states like Assam, Punjab, or Gujarat.