Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday accused both the Central and Kerala governments of slowing down key welfare initiatives, including the Congress party’s housing project for victims of the 2024 Chooralmala landslide.

Speaking to reporters after attending a meeting, she said delays in funding from the Centre and procedural hurdles at the state level had affected rehabilitation efforts. According to her, slow disbursal of central funds and delayed state clearances have hampered progress in multiple schemes.

Addressing questions about the Congress-led housing initiative for families affected by the 2024 Chooralmala landslide, Priyanka Gandhi said the project faced significant delays due to paperwork and land-related issues.

She alleged that the Kerala government took considerable time to allot land and grant necessary approvals, which pushed back the start of construction.

“There was a lot of delay due to paperwork and land issues. Fortunately, we have been able to resolve them. So hopefully, we will be able to complete it soon,” she said.

The Congress party is preparing to lay the foundation stone for the housing project aimed at rehabilitating affected families.

On welfare activities in her constituency, she said she was broadly satisfied with the work being done but pointed out persistent funding delays.

“The central government funds are very slow. In some cases, even the state government is slow. But more than that, the central government is slowing down funding for many schemes, which is causing delays,” she said.

Political message ahead of elections

Priyanka Gandhi also claimed that people in Kerala are seeking a change in government and expressed hope that such a shift would take place.

When asked whether the Congress housing project would be completed on schedule, she said she was optimistic now that major land and clearance hurdles had been cleared.