Complex for Kerala legislators draws ire

As Kerala continues to seek funds to rebuild the state in the aftermath of the worst disaster it faced in a century, a plan to build a Rs800 million (Dh40 million) apartment complex for state legislators has come under fire.

The proposed plan is to demolish an old building in the Legislators Complex located in the heart of the capital city Thiruvananthapuram and build a multi-storeyed housing complex in its place.

Senior Congress leader and former Kerala Speaker VM Sudheeran said, while there was no doubt that legislators should get facilities to improve their efficiency, the timing of going ahead with the multi-million project was “shocking”.

“At the state’s worst ever crisis, after the floods brought in untold miseries and sufferings, the entire efforts and funds should be diverted to rebuild our state, as thousands of people are suffering, Sudheeran told the media here.

According to estimates, the floods that ravaged the state has caused a destruction of over Rs400 billion and the Pinarayi Vijayan government has given a clarion call to all to contribute one month’s salary for rebuilding operations. ■