Rahul Gandhi: ‘unconditional’ aid must be accepted to help flood-hit Kerala

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that any unconditional financial support from anywhere should be accepted, as it will bring solace to flood-hit Kerala.

Gandhi made the remark while speaking to reporters before beginning his second day trip to the flood-ravaged areas of the state.

He was responding to a question on India's 'rejection' of funds to the tune of $100 million offered by the UAE government for flood relief work.

"My personal opinion is any unconditional offer of funds to reduce pain and sufferings should be taken," said Gandhi.

On the question of the support from the Centre to the state, he said that it was sad that the Centre had not really supported the way Kerala wanted.

"This is Kerala's right and they should give more," said Gandhi. He said he was in the state to express his solidarity with the people who were suffering and not to do politics.

Gandhi arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday and visited half a dozen camps in the southern districts of the state, where the flood had hit hard.

Gandhi was scheduled to travel to the hilly district of Wayanad in north Kerala. However, due to bad weather it was cancelled and instead he opted to go to Idukki.