THE recent floods in Kerala, in which 26 people have died and 4 have been reported missing so far, have exposed the fragility of governance under the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in the state. What unfolded was not merely a natural disaster but a man-made calamity aggravated by the sheer negligence, arrogance, and misplaced priorities of the ruling dispensation. The people of Kerala, who have endured the fury of monsoons before, were left to fend for themselves as the UDF government failed to rise to the occasion.  

ABSENCE OF TIMELY WARNINGS AND ADEQUATE PREPARATION 

The first and most glaring failure was the lack of timely warnings regarding heavy rains and the need for evacuation. In a state where meteorological forecasts are readily available, the government’s inability to disseminate information to vulnerable communities is inexcusable. Villages along riverbanks and low-lying areas were left in the dark, with no systematic evacuation plan in place. Relief camps, which should have been prepared in advance, were hastily thrown together, lacking basic amenities such as clean drinking water, sanitation, and medical supplies.

The callousness becomes clearer when contrasted with the LDF government’s handling of the 2018 floods under Com Pinarayi Vijayan, the then Chief Minister. Despite the unprecedented scale of devastation, the administration coordinated with central agencies, local self-governments, and volunteers to ensure timely evacuation and the establishment of relief camps that functioned effectively. People who had to take refuge in the relief camps in Kerala this time round were seen openly stating that back then they were not left wanting for anything in the camps. The difference lies not in resources but in political will and leadership.  

CM’S SILENCE AND REFUSAL TO ANSWER QUESTIONS

Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s refusal to meet the media or answer questions about flood preparedness is symptomatic of a government that thrives on opacity. At a time when people were desperate for reassurance and clarity, the CM deliberately chose silence. That was because he was unaware of what was happening in the state, which is underlined by the fact that in one instance he had the audacity to state that his office will give the necessary updates. His absence from the public sphere during the crisis conveyed sheer indifference and a lack of accountability.  

In stark contrast, as Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan was visible, communicative, and decisive when floods and monsoon disasters struck repeatedly during his tenure. He held daily press briefings – sometimes even twice a day, updated the public on rescue and relief measures, and ensured transparency in the then LDF government’s actions. Time and again, he had made it clear that leadership during crises was not about hiding behind closed doors but about standing with the people and guiding them through uncertainty.  

HELICOPTER TRIPS, LUNCHEON FEASTS AND JEWELLERY INAUGURATIONS

Perhaps the most shocking display of insensitivity was Satheesan’s helicopter trip for a private visit and a lavish luncheon feast on the first day of the floods. Despite this being widely criticised, on the second day he went on to inaugurate a jewellery showroom, even while floodwaters ravaged multiple districts in the state. His actions as CM epitomised the UDF’s misplaced priorities – a government more concerned with personal indulgences and elite engagements than with the plight of ordinary citizens. Satheesan’s actions sent a chilling message, that governance under UDF is divorced from the realities of the masses.

During the LDF’s tenure, the Chief Minister and his ministers were seen on the ground, coordinating rescue operations, visiting relief camps, and ensuring that the machinery of the state was mobilised for the people. People, resources and technology were leveraged to coordinate relief efforts. At one point of time, Pinarayi Vijayan even postponed his hospital visit which was scheduled well in advance, to ensure that he was available round the clock, in managing the crisis. That is why people started equating the short form CM with 'Crisis Manager' when he held that office. 

LACK OF GOVERNANCE AND THE IDEOLOGICAL DRIFT 

The floods of 2018 and subsequent monsoon disasters under the LDF government highlighted the importance of proactive governance. The emphasis was on transparency and accountability, which built trust among the people, even in the face of immense tragedy. The UDF, however, has demonstrated the opposite – disorganisation, lack of foresight, and a callous disregard for the suffering of the people. The comparison is not merely between two leaders, but between two models of governance; one rooted in responsibility and people’s welfare, the other in negligence and self-indulgence.  

Beyond the immediate failures in flood management, Satheesan’s tenure has been marked by a disturbing ideological drift towards the RSS-BJP agenda. His stance on giving the Governor a free hand in syndicate nominations as Chancellor of state universities undermines their autonomy and aligns with the Sangh Parivar's saffronisation project. The appointment of right-wing advocates as government pleaders further entrenches reactionary forces within the state apparatus. Going ahead with the PM-SHRI scheme, despite opposing it earlier, also reflects Satheesan’s willingness to toe the BJP line. These actions reveal a government that is not only incompetent in crisis management but also complicit in advancing the ideological agenda of the right wing.

The UDF Government has clearly betrayed the trust of the people of Kerala. Kerala deserves a government that prioritises its people, stands firm in times of crisis, and resists the encroachment of communal forces. What it has today, unfortunately, is a regime of negligence, indulgence, and political betrayal.