"Unfortunate...": CM Vijayan writes to PM Modi on Kuwait visit denial to Kerala health minister

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 19 (ANI): Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the "unfortunate" denial of political clearance by the External Affairs Ministry to Kerala Health Minister Veena George to travel to Kuwait in the background of the fire tragedy.
At least 45 Indians, including 23 from Kerala alone, were killed in the fire incident at a labour accommodation in Kuwait's Mangaf on June 12.
Calling the denial "extremely unfortunate," the CM said that the request amply falls within the purview of compelling circumstances, and non-consideration of the same goes against the principles of cooperative federalism, in which the Union and the States are equal partners in the pursuit of development as well as in mitigation efforts when our people face disasters and calamities.
He said that the collective decision of the State Cabinet has been disregarded.
"I wish to bring before your good self the fact that, being the tier of government close to the people, the state government gets the grievances of the people first. Considering the gravity of the situation, it was decided by the Council of Ministers of Kerala to depute a cabinet minister to Kuwait. Her presence in Kuwait would have substantially helped in liaising with the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, the team of officials, and the Embassy. This could have provided mental relief and confidence to the families of those who were affected by the unforeseen tragedy," the Kerala CM said in his letter.
He further emphasised that no political or other considerations should come in the way of issuing political clearances in such situations.
"A decision taken should not even appear to convey such a bias", he wrote.
CM Vijayan requested PM Modi to advise the Ministry for External Affairs to be more responsive to such requests in the future, as the goodwill between the Union and the States is a crucial determinant for creating an environment of healthy cooperative federalism.
He also added that the state government appreciates the steps taken by the Ministry of External Affairs in light of the tragedy. (ANI)