Pinarayi Vijayan says ‘disrespect’ shown to rescue worker’s body reflects UDF government’s ‘uncaring’ flood response
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the Kerala government for its handling of flood relief efforts, specifically citing the disrespectful treatment of a deceased rescue volunteer's body. He further accused the administration of apathy toward coastal communities during climate-related disasters.
Why it matters
The criticism highlights ongoing political tensions in Kerala regarding disaster management and the government's responsiveness to climate change impacts.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday (August 8, 2026) said the “disrespect” shown by authorities to the body of R. Rajesh, the 36-year-old rescue volunteer during the flood at Cherupuzha in Kannur, was emblematic of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s “uncaring response” to the flood-affected people in Kerala.
Mr. Vijayan said Rajesh’s mortal remains putrified en route to his family home in Thiruvananthapuram due to the government’s failure to commandeer an ambulance kitted out with a mobile freezer. The fiasco smacked of contempt for the brave heart who had sacrificed his life to save fellow citizens from the gushing flood waters.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in