Congress Leaders Demand Permanent Solutions for Assam Flood Victims

Solidarity with Assam Flood Victims

On July 27, in Guwahati, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed their solidarity with the victims of the floods in Assam and called for a lasting resolution to this ongoing crisis. This year, floods in Assam have tragically claimed the lives of 68 individuals and caused widespread devastation.

Both leaders emphasized the need for immediate relief and rehabilitation for those affected. Kharge took to social media platform X to express his deep sorrow over the catastrophic floods that have resulted in significant loss of life and suffering in the state, impacting nearly one million people across 25 districts.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, "My heartfelt sympathies are with those families who have lost their loved ones." The Congress President urged both the central and state governments to utilize all available resources for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. He insisted that adequate assistance should be promptly released from the PM-CARES Fund for the families affected by the floods, along with sufficient compensation for every lost life, home, and livelihood.

Kharge also pointed out that the BJP had promised a permanent solution to the recurring flood issues in Assam in their 2016 vision document. Additionally, during the 2021 assembly election campaign, the Union Home Minister assured that Assam would be flood-free within five years. He questioned, "What happened to those promises? Why has the so-called double-engine government of Assam failed to develop comprehensive flood control, erosion management, and rehabilitation systems?"

He stressed the need for a scientifically-based permanent strategy for Assam, which should include modern early warning systems, well-maintained embankments, the restoration of wetlands, climate-resilient infrastructure, and dignified rehabilitation for displaced families.

Kharge also called upon Congress leaders, workers, and volunteers to provide every possible assistance to the affected individuals and support relief and rehabilitation efforts. Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiments of mourning for those who lost their lives in the floods, describing the news of fatalities as deeply saddening. He expressed solidarity with the millions affected by this disaster.

On social media, he stated, "I hope that the central and state governments will spare no effort in providing relief and rescue operations to those affected." Highlighting the annual loss of life and destruction caused by floods in the state, Rahul Gandhi remarked that it is time to seek a permanent solution to this issue. He advocated for the development of a system prioritizing prevention, early warning, robust infrastructure, and rehabilitation to prevent the people from facing this flood crisis every year.