At a time when the entire nation is helping flood-hit Kerala, a self-styled Godman has made a shocking statement regarding relief work that reeks of bigotry.
Self-styled Godman Swami Chakrapani Maharaj on Wednesday said that the flood relief should be provided only to vegetarians.
The Hindu Mahasabha president claimed that ‘it will be sin to help those who eat beef.’
‘I am also appealing for help in Kerala. But help should be given to those who respect nature and creatures. When roti was available to people in Kerala, they were slaughtering the cow to eat her meat. So, what I mean is that Hindus should provide help to those who avoid cow meat,’ Chakrapani was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The divisive statement comes at a time when Kerala is battling the worst flood in the century.
Meanwhile, with operations to rescue stranded people from flood-affected areas nearing a close, the Kerala government has turned its attention to cleaning of houses and public places which were damaged in the unprecedented rains which ravaged the state.
According to the Disaster Management State Control room, 231 people have lost their lives and 32 are missing in flood-related incidents since August 8.
Nearly 14.50 lakh people from 3.91 lakh families are still in about 3,879 relief camps across the state.
The largest number of people in relief camps was in the worst-affected Ernakulam district with a total of 5.32 lakh in 850 camps.
Though water has started receding in some places, areas near the river banks and Kuttanand in Alapuzha continue to be under water.
More than 3,000 squads under health and local self-government departments have started the process of cleaning houses and public places, official sources said.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that most of the stranded people have been rescued and searches would continue in isolated houses to find if any persons are trapped.
Indian Air Force personnel rescued 15 people, including 11, who were trapped in an areas cut off due to landslides in Nelliyampathy in Palakkad district yesterday.
Officials said about 12,000 houses were cleaned yesterday and about 12,000 volunteers were on the field.
Nearly 3,000 carcasses of cattle were buried across the state yesterday, officials said.
