Silchar: A photograph of Assam MP Kripanath Mallah enjoying a vacation in Kashmir, while his constituency suffers from severe floods, has sparked widespread criticism on social media. The picture, showing Mallah posing with two birds, was posted on his official Facebook page, drawing ire from netizens who labelled him indifferent to the plight of his constituents.
Mallah, a two-time MP from Barak Valley’s Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency, is currently vacationing in Kashmir with friends. This comes at a time when his constituency is grappling with devastating floods. The controversial image, posted on June 14, features Mallah in a blue t-shirt, smiling as he holds two birds.
In the accompanying post, Mallah wrote, “Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, I’m grateful to share some quality time with my dear friends. In the midst of hectic schedules, moments like these rejuvenate my spirit and remind me of the importance of friendship and camaraderie. #Kashmir #MemorableMoments”.
The post has been widely shared, attracting a flood of critical comments. One user sarcastically remarked, “Yes, do these things only. We have sent you to Delhi for doing all these only. There are no problems in Karimganj and Hailakandi. You do trips and enjoy.” Another commented, “Who is he? Have never seen him before.” A third user lamented, “Barak Valley is almost disconnected from Guwahati and the MP is busy in doing masti. People of Barak Valley are unfortunate, when will people get consciousness.”
A senior journalist from a Bengali news daily in Silchar also shared the contentious photo alongside a news story about the Karimganj floods, further fueling the backlash. One comment on the journalist’s post read, “If anyone is termed as an irresponsible MP, he is the perfect example.” Another simply labeled Mallah an “inept MP.”
Karimganj town block Congress president Tapash Purkayastha criticized Mallah, stating that while the people of Karimganj are facing severe hardships due to the floods, their MP is vacationing. “In the last five years, people of Karimganj did not find Mallah in their troubled times. Similar is the situation now too. When the MP is supposed to extend his helping hand to flood-hit people, he is busy on a vacation with friends in Kashmir,” Purkayastha said.
Attempts by EastMojo to contact Mallah for a comment on Monday afternoon were unsuccessful.
Karimganj district is among the worst affected areas in Assam, with floods and flash floods wreaking havoc over the past few weeks. Several parts of the district remain submerged, and hundreds of thousands of residents are struggling with the ongoing crisis.
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