On November 19, 2024, Wayanad witnessed a joint hartal by the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in protest against the central government’s refusal to classify the recent devastating landslides in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region as a national disaster. Both political fronts have strongly criticized the Union government’s stance, demanding immediate national intervention and funding for relief efforts.
The landslides have left many in Wayanad facing severe hardships, but the Union government insists that such an event doesn’t meet the criteria for a national disaster, placing the onus of relief on the state government instead. In response, the hartal has gained momentum, with the political parties urging for more comprehensive aid and timely support.
The hartal, scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, has been organized to highlight the pressing need for financial and logistical support from the national level. While essential services are exempted from the shutdown, the political leaders continue to call for greater accountability from both the central and state governments regarding disaster relief.
