New Delhi, Accusing the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snubbing Kerala in its worst hour, Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Sitaram Yechruy on Saturday said when the state requires an immediate aid of RS 2000 crore, what Mr Modi has offered is ‘insufficient’ for urgent rescue and relief work.
Expressing his disappointment over the Rs 500 cr financial assistance announced by PM modi, Mr Yechury tweeted, “Kerala has suffered a loss of nearly Rs 20,000 crore in these floods. The state had sought an immediate assistance of Rs 2000 crore from the Centre. What Modi has given is grossly insufficient for urgent rescue, relief and rehabilitation work”.
Mr Modi, on Saturday held an aerial survey of the flood affected areas and a high-level review meeting in the state, announced Rs 500 crore as aid, in addition to Rs two lakh rupees ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for seriously injured persons.
The deadly floods in Kerala have claimed 324 lives since August 8 and torrential rain pouring continuously in the many parts of the state have prompted the state government to declare red alert in 11 district on Saturday.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the Prime Minister at the meeting that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512-crore.
In a series of tweets, Mr Modi, who reached the state on Friday, expressed his salutation to the people of Kerala for their “fighting spirit”.
“I compliment the authorities for their efforts in this adverse situation. I would also like to appreciate the wide support and solidarity from people across India towards Kerala during this unprecedented situation,” he tweeted.
He also said that the NDRF teams, companies of BSF, CISF and RAF are deployed in the state for rescue and relief operations.
“The Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard are assisting operations in different parts of Kerala. Rescuing those who are trapped remains the topmost priority,” Prime Minister wrote.
Earlier Congress president Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister to declare Kerala floods as a national disaster.In a tweet, Mr Gandhi said, ‘Dear PM, Please declare Kerala floods a National Disaster without any delay. The lives, livelihood and future of millions of our people is at stake.’
Rahul had on Friday called on Congress workers to help in relief operations in the flood hit state.
