Modi and Rahul Gandhi’s Kollam Visit Was a Strain: Kerala DGP

Kerala DGP claims PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi’s visit after the Kollam temple fire was a strain on the state.

The Kerala Director General of Police, TP Senkumar, has expressed his unhappiness at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kollam only hours after the fire that erupted at the Puttingal Temple in the early hours of Sunday, reports Indian Express.

I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. 

TP Senkumar, Kerala DGP

Also Read: The Kollam Tragedy and Politicisation of Kerala’s Temple Boards

Senkumar also points out that even Rahul Gandhi’s visit was a strain on the state already reeling with the after-effects of the Kollam temple blaze.

We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi too.

TP Senkumar

However the Congress Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy has defended the Prime Minister’s visit, reports CNN-IBN. He called it a “great relief”.

PM’s visit to the spot was a great relief for the people. National leaders visited and their presence and advice and help were a great thing for Kerala. All rescue operations were over in the morning. We all concentrated on treatment of the injured after 6 am.

Oommen Chandy, Kerala CM

Also Read: Kollam Fire Tragedy: Taking Recourse to Law on Manmade Disasters

On Sunday morning, Puttingal Devi Temple went up in flames owing to a massive stock of firecrackers kept inside it. Over a hundred lives were lost, while more than 400 people were injured in the tragedy.

Chief Minister Chandy and State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala were present to receive Modi and take him around the temple. The PM spent a couple of minutes at the site of the accident, taking account of the damage incurred. He had visited the state with a team of 15 burn specialists.

Also Read: Kollam Temple Fire: History of Warnings, and a Disaster in Waiting