Chennai floods: EPS blames TN govt’s poor management

Chennai, grappling with the aftermath of Cyclonic Storm Michaung’s fury and the subsequent heavy downpour, has become a political battleground. Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, from the AIADMK, launched a scathing critique against the ruling DMK government, alleging a failure in taking necessary precautions despite prior warnings. Accusations of Government Inaction: Palaniswami, after a visit to the waterlogged areas in T Nagar, expressed his concern over the inundation and the hardships faced by the people. He argued that the DMK government had not adequately prepared for the impending cyclone, despite earlier alerts. The Opposition leader accused the administration of neglecting precautionary measures, putting the citizens in distress. Palaniswami asserted that his party had taken proactive measures well ahead of the monsoon season. He claimed that during their tenure, they ensured the government machinery was well-prepared to respond effectively to such situations. According to him, the current suffering of the people is a direct consequence of what he labeled as “poor planning” on the part of the current government. Allegations of Power Manipulation: Palaniswami didn’t stop at criticizing the government’s handling of the crisis; he also alleged intentional power cuts. According to him, the government intentionally cut power supply to keep the citizens in the dark about the ground reality. Such a move, he argued, hindered people’s ability to stay informed and exacerbated the challenges faced during the calamity. The Opposition leader also raised concerns about the fate of the Rs 4,000 crore stormwater drainage project. Palaniswami questioned the government’s commitment to crucial infrastructure initiatives, suggesting that the failure to implement such projects worsens the impact of natural disasters. As Chennai battles the aftermath of Cyclonic Storm Michaung, the political blame game adds another layer of complexity to the already chall