DMK leader MK Stalin has lashed out against Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa for what he says in the state government’s lack of initiative in the ongoing relief process.
Previously, on Saturday it was reported that citizens and volunteers were being forced to stick Amma’s posters on relief material they bought with private charity.
Stalin accused the CM of evading responsibility and showing nonchalance over the plight of flood-affected ordinary citizens. "Is she in Poes, Siruthavur or Kodanadu estate? Where is she?,” asked Stalin while speaking to reporters in Chennai.
“The CM has not come and visited any of the affected areas. But her pictures alone are being stuck even relief materials from private charities. Why can't they show the same dedication to relief?” he added.
Stalin went onto allege that the state government was not sincere in its effort to aid the relief work, “There are several parts of Chennai which are still water logged. There are no efforts to reduce that. They have given out numbers of officials. I have myself tried the number a 100 times, no response. I also called the Commissioner, and they don't respond or say that he is in a meeting or an inspection. This is the situation of the administration.”
He however added that it was not the DMK’s intention to make it a political slugfest. “We don't want to politicize this, and our leader Kalaignar has said that very clearly. And we have been trying to do what we can from the DMK.”
According to some reports, at least 450 people have died as a consequence of the heavy monsoon, but the official figures are not updated yet.
Chennai and adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu was marginally paralyzed by continuous rainfall in the second half of November, there were images of submerged subways and streets.
But before the state could limp back to life as usual, heavy torrential rainfall which lasted for five days again pounded the city starting on the beginning of December led to a situation when he Tamil Nadu government declared the city to be a disaster zone.