Foreign aid: Double justice is unacceptable

There may be individuals who still continue the mindset of the evil landlords, but a government should not think or behave like that. It must be said that the central government did not show double justice to Kerala and Maharashtra in accepting foreign money when the natural disaster occurred, but rather it showed injustice to Kerala and justice to Maharashtra. In fact, such politically discriminatory activities are what destroy the foundation of federalism. When natural disasters occur, people everywhere stand together, forgetting caste, religious and political differences. We have seen that in Kerala too.

Not only the rich, but even the poor do what they can to help in such situations. No country's image has ever been tarnished because of it. Image has no place in such situations where people stand together, leaving aside their fake pride and amour propre. It is such crises that make us realize that this land we inhabit is one. A big difference between Kerala and other states is that it is a state with the largest number of expatriates. Malayalis are the ones who have worked the hardest behind the transformation of the country called UAE and its current prosperity.

It was because they did not forget that courtesy that the UAE offered Rs 700 crore as aid for the 2018 flood disaster. However, the Centre denied it, saying that there was no law for states to directly accept foreign funds. Another reason was also given, that accepting foreign funds would tarnish the country's image.

Kerala suffered a loss of about half a lakh crore rupees in the 2018 floods. About 500 people died. 15 lakh people had to stay in relief camps. It must be said that a man-made law that prevented a foreign country that dared to help in such a situation is inhumane. However, when the Centre blocked the way, Kerala had no other option but to abandon that hope. At that time, Kerala thought that this would apply to all states. However, today, Kerala realizes that that thought was wrong and that the Centre blocked it with the mindset of the evil landlords that Kerala does not need to be so smart and just has to follow the Centre's orders.

Maharashtra is the reason for that. The central government has given permission to accept foreign aid to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund of BJP-ruled Maharashtra. Anyone with common sense, except those who were instrumental in blocking foreign aid to Kerala at that time, will understand that this is discriminatory. Kerala should take this as an opportunity. Kerala should apply, citing the Maharashtra model, to get direct foreign aid to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund of Kerala also in case of such natural calamities. If permission is denied, Kerala should join hands with the states that are ready to raise a similar demand and question it in the Supreme Court. No court in the country will accept double justice. If Kerala succeeds, it may still be able to receive that 700 crores.