UDF Candidate Refrains From Answering as Reporters Ask Questions About Funds Collected for Wayanad Landslide Victims

Pathanamthitta: UDf candidate from Aranmula faced tough questions over funds raised by the Youth Congress in the name of assisting Wayanad disaster victims.

During a media interaction in Pathanamthitta, journalists asked Abin Varkey, Youth Congress state vice president and UDF candidate, about the total amount collected and the timeline for constructing promised houses. However, he did not provide a clear answer on the funds raised, stating only that the houses would be completed on time.

Abin also criticized DYFI, which had contributed ₹20 crore for the construction of township built by the state government for the victims of Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster.

DYFI had earlier publicly released detailed accounts of the money collected for assisting the victims. Initially announcing plans to build 25 houses, the organization later expanded the initiative after raising more funds. A total of ₹20 crore was transferred to the district collector’s account for constructing 100 houses, with official documents of the transaction made public.

In contrast, the Youth Congress has yet to provide clarity on the funds it collected. When Rahul Mamkootathil was its state president, the organization had announced plans to raise ₹2.8 crore and sponsorship funds to construct 30 houses, assigning collection targets to local committees. Despite reportedly raising more than the target, no funds have reportedly been handed over so far.

Amid growing controversy, the Congress organized a foundation stone-laying ceremony in February, attended by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, in an apparent attempt to contain the issue during the election period. However, no construction work has begun yet.