Congress play Disaster Politics -Only 52.26 crore to Karnataka against Rs 156.84 crore to AP

Centre’s attitude towards Karnataka stepmotherly: BSY

Pioneer News Service | Bangalore

As the fury of late monsoons impacted thousands of citizens and affected the lifeline of people in northern districts of Karnataka, the politics of Central assistance has made things no better. Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has attacked the Centre for “step-motherly” treatment to the flood-hit State. He said the UPA Government had not given the monetary assistance requested to the deluged northern districts of Karnataka.

Talking to The Pioneer in Bangalore on Wednesday, Yeddyurappa said there was discrimination and step-motherly attitude by the Centre towards the flood-ravaged people of Karnataka. He said, “This is the worst flood we have ever seen in Karnataka. They have released just Rs 52.26 crore as against Rs 156.84 crore to Andhra Pradesh. It shows the step-motherly attitude by the Centre towards the only BJP Government in south India.”

“The loss is huge and Home Minister P Chidambaram and Congress president Sonia Gandhi and I had undertaken an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas. I have appealed to them to release more funds. A team of Ministers led by our Home Minister VS Acharya is to meet the Prime Minister in this regard. I appeal to the Prime Minister who is conducting an aerial survey on Friday to consider the plea for more funds. We have sent an appeal for Rs 10,000 crore towards the assistance to help the people in distress,” he added.

According to the Chief Minister, the loss might go up to Rs 20,000 crore. He also thanked the people for contributing Rs 500 crore in just 48 hours during his padayatra in Bangalore.

The fury of north-west monsoon has destabilised the entire lifeline in northern and coastal districts of Raichur, Bidar,Gulburga, Gadag, Bellary, Haveri, Hubli and Dharwad, and Uttara Kannada in Karnataka. The fury has taken so far 212 lives and rendered millions homeless.

According to available statistics, 1,490 villages have been destroyed in the flood and more than 3 lakh houses have been damaged leaving 1.8 crore population affected in the nature’s fury.

According to a Press release issued in Bangalore by the PIB, so far Central Government has released Rs 54 crore to Karnataka and Rs 313.67 crore to Andhra Pradesh. The release said, “Keeping in view the magnitude of the situation, requirement for relief operations and the fact that Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have also been affected by drought during current year, the Government of India has, in advance, released the second installment of Central share of the Calamity Relief Fund for the year 2009-10, amounting to Rs 156.84 crore, in respect of Andhra Pradesh and Rs 52.26 crore in respect of Karnataka on Tuesday. As such, the total Central contribution comprising Rs 313.67 crore and Rs 104.52 crore for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka respectively for the year 2009-10 stands released as on date.”

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