After widespread criticism for the Delhi-based media for ignoring the plight of Kerala flood victims, several Bollywood artists and politicians have come forward with the pledge to help the people of God’s own country financially.
Leading the pack was Shah Rukh Khan, who was hailed for his generosity by Oscar-winning artists from Kerala, Resul Pookutty. Pookutty, in his tweet, wrote, “Thank you so much @iamsrk (Shah Rukh Khan) me personally and the people of kerala are indebted to you for your generosity and quick action…respect.” Pookutty also thanked Vidya Balan, Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor for their contributions to help the victims of Kerala floods.
Thank you so much @iamsrk me personally and the people of kerala are indebted to you for your generosity and quick action…respect ???
— resul pookutty (@resulp) August 17, 2018
My dear @sonamakapoor thank you so much for your kindness and love towards kerala and it’s people, your generosity lights up peoples lives!humbled???
— resul pookutty (@resulp) August 18, 2018
Generosity is pouring in- this time from the little darling of Bollywood my dearest @aliaa08 Thank you so much ! Humbled by your gesture.???
— resul pookutty (@resulp) August 17, 2018
Thank you my dear @vidya_balan and #Sid for being such a great sport and generous! You are our own blood from Palghat, we are indebted to your generosity!Love and hugs from Gods Own Country Bollywood #istandwithkerela ???
— resul pookutty (@resulp) August 17, 2018
Politicians too were nimble-footed with their pledge to announce their help. BJP MP Varun Gandhi tweeted, “With over 300 people dead and more than 3.14 lakh displaced, the devastating #KeralaFloods are truly a national calamity. I appeal to all MPs and MLAs across the country to rise above party lines and contribute to the CM’s Relief Fund. I am doing so in my own small way…”
With over 300 people dead and more than 3.14 lakh displaced, the devastating #KeralaFloods are truly a national calamity. I appeal to all MPs and MLAs across the country to rise above party lines and contribute to the CM’s Relief Fund. I am doing so in my own small way… pic.twitter.com/KszJQy6oFp
— Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) August 18, 2018
Elsewhere, Aam Aadmi Party announced that its MLAs and MPs will forego a month salary for Kerala flood victims. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged all government employees in the national capital to donate ‘at least one day salary’ towards this cause. He wrote, “I appeal to all employees of Delhi govt to donate at least one day salary for Kerala.”
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted the aerial survey of the flood affected areas of Kerala. He was joined by the state chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan. The prime minister also announced an additional help of Rs 500 crore, which many felt inadequate given the enormity of the catastrophe.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi had urged the prime minister to declare the floods in Kerala a national disaster. He had written, “Dear PM. Please declare #Kerala floods a National Disaster without any delay. The lives, livelihood and future of millions of our people is at stake.” Soon after Modi announced additional help for flood victims, Rahul tweeted, “Increasing funds allocated for Kerala relief to Rs.500 Cr is a good step but nowhere near enough. It is critical you declare the floods as a National Disaster. Please do not vacillate as the people of Kerala are suffering. ”
Meanwhile, UAE princess, Haya Bint Al Hussein, had shared an incredibly emotional post written by her father Sheikh Mohammed, acknowledging that people of Kerala had been a part of the kingdom’s success story. She wrote, “The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days.”
The official death has reach 190, while the unofficial number of those killed in the nature’s fury stands at 325.
