05-JULY-2025,05:30PM Kerala, June 2025 – A wave of anger and concern swept across the town of Kottayam as Youth Congress activists took to the streets to protest against the recent building collapse that left several injured and caused extensive damage. The tragic incident has not only exposed lapses in civic oversight but has also ignited political unrest, with the Youth Congress demanding immediate action and accountability from local authorities and the state government.
The protest, marked by fiery speeches, placards, and road blockades, has drawn statewide attention. The Youth Congress claims that the collapse was not a mere accident, but a result of systemic corruption and negligence in infrastructure approvals and monitoring.
Youth Congress Speaks Out: “This is a Man-Made Disaster”
Unveiling the Negligence Behind the Collapse
The Youth Congress leadership in Kerala wasted no time responding to the disaster. As the news of the building collapse spread, party workers and local leaders rushed to the site, offering aid to victims and coordinating with rescue teams. However, their response quickly turned into a protest when early investigations suggested that the structure had been flagged previously for safety violations.
Speaking at the protest, one of the state Youth Congress leaders said, “This is not just a construction failure — this is a governance failure. The administration must answer how such a building was allowed to function despite warnings.”
Placards held by protesters read, “Justice for Kottayam Victims,” and “Corruption Kills — Not Buildings,” underscoring the sentiment among citizens that this tragedy could have been prevented.
Kottayam Building Collapse: A Timeline of Tragedy
What Happened?
The building in question, a commercial complex located in a busy market area, came crashing down on Monday afternoon, trapping over 20 people under the rubble. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crack before the structure crumbled, suggesting foundational instability.
Emergency services, including fire and rescue, NDRF, and medical teams, arrived swiftly. At the time of writing, at least 4 people have died, and over a dozen are in critical condition. Among the injured were daily wage workers, small business owners, and shoppers — a cross-section of Kottayam’s working class.
Initial reports from structural engineers indicated multiple irregularities in the construction, including low-quality materials, an unauthorized additional floor, and overdue safety inspections — all factors now central to the Youth Congress’s protest.
Youth Congress Demands Government Accountability
Political Pressure Mounts
The Youth Congress has launched a multi-pronged campaign demanding an independent inquiry into the collapse. Addressing reporters at the protest, Youth Congress State President Anil Mathew said, “We demand an immediate judicial probe. The builders, officials who sanctioned this structure, and the local municipality must be held accountable.”
The protest also called out the ruling party’s alleged nexus with real estate developers, accusing them of compromising public safety for profit. Social media campaigns have begun trending with hashtags like #JusticeForKottayam and #YouthCongressProtests, gaining momentum across Kerala and beyond.
Leaders from the Indian National Congress, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), have extended support to the protest, urging the state government to act transparently and swiftly.
Citizens Join Youth Congress in Solidarity
Public Outrage Amplifies the Movement
The protest has seen participation beyond party lines. Local residents, student organizations, and NGOs joined hands with the Youth Congress, voicing frustration over repeated instances of construction negligence in Kerala. Many locals claim they’ve raised similar concerns in the past, only to be ignored by authorities.
Sreeja, a local resident whose shop was adjacent to the collapsed building, said, “We heard creaking sounds for weeks. No one listened. Now people are dead. How is this acceptable?”
The collective anger is not just about one building — it’s about a perceived culture of impunity when it comes to safety violations in Kerala’s urban planning.
Government Responds Amid Mounting Pressure
Promises Made, But Trust Shaken
Under pressure, Kerala’s Minister for Urban Development issued a statement promising a “thorough investigation” and assured the public that “strict action” would be taken against those found responsible. Compensation packages for the families of the deceased and injured have also been announced.
However, Youth Congress leaders remain skeptical. “These are the same promises we hear after every disaster. Unless there is real accountability, this is just political damage control,” said a protester.
The opposition has also questioned whether the inquiry commission will be independent or influenced by political motives — a question that continues to fuel the ongoing demonstrations.
The Larger Issue: Infrastructure Safety in Kerala
Youth Congress Calls for Systemic Reform
Beyond this specific incident, the Youth Congress has highlighted a broader issue — Kerala’s outdated building laws and lack of enforcement. According to their spokesperson, the protest is a clarion call for comprehensive urban reform.
Some of their key demands include:
A transparent building approval system with real-time public access
Mandatory third-party safety inspections every year
Strict penalties for violations by builders and government officials
Setting up an independent urban safety regulator
The Youth Congress has vowed to take the movement statewide if their demands are ignored, signalling a prolonged political battle ahead.
Conclusion: Youth Congress Channels Public Sentiment into Political Action
The Youth Congress protest in Kottayam is more than a political event — it’s a reflection of growing public intolerance toward governance failures that cost lives. As Kerala mourns the loss of innocent citizens, calls for justice are growing louder and more urgent.
Through their swift action, community outreach, and strong demands, Youth Congress has positioned itself not just as an opposition voice, but as a platform for civic accountability. Whether the government acts decisively in response remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the youth of Kerala are no longer willing to stay silent.
Source : ANI
