Senior BJP leader Gyandev Ahuja has caused a stir by linking the recent Wayanad landslides in Kerala to cow slaughter practices. His controversial remarks came as the region deals with the aftermath of the devastating landslides that occurred on July 30, resulting in the deaths of 358 people.
Ahuja’s Controversial Statement
Speaking on Saturday, Ahuja claimed, “Since 2018, we have observed a pattern where areas involved in cow slaughter face such tragic incidents. If cow slaughter does not stop, similar tragedies will continue to occur in Kerala.” He suggested that the landslides are a direct consequence of cow slaughter and warned that such disasters will persist unless the practice is banned in Kerala.
Ahuja also compared Kerala’s situation to that of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, which experience natural calamities like cloudbursts and landslides but not on the same scale, according to him.
Wayanad Landslides: Current Situation
The rescue efforts in Wayanad are ongoing, with the army, police, and emergency services working to locate survivors. As of now, 206 people are still missing, and the rescue operations are being hindered by large boulders and debris.
Actor Mohanlal, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, has arrived in Wayanad and pledged ₹3 crore for rehabilitation efforts. Kerala Minister PA Mohammed Riyas reported that 210 bodies and 134 body parts have been recovered, with 146 bodies identified and 84 people receiving hospital treatment.
Ahuja’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that his statements are insensitive given the current crisis and the ongoing efforts to address the disaster’s impact.