Tamil Nadu Congress President Selvaperunthagai criticized the state government for its handling of the unprecedented floods in Cuddalore, which he claimed were the worst in 100 years. Speaking to the press in Cuddalore, he expressed concerns over the lack of early warning to residents and the insufficient relief measures provided so far.Selvaperunthagai made several demands and accusations, including:
Inadequate Relief: He criticized the state government’s decision to provide only ₹2,000 as relief for flood victims, stating it was insufficient. He urged the government to build new homes for those who lost theirs and compensate for damaged household items.
Assembly Action: Congress will raise these concerns in the legislative assembly and demand better solutions.
Avoiding Political Blame: He condemned political parties for politicizing the crisis, particularly BJP members who allegedly attacked a state minister.
Faulty Dam Operations: He pointed out that the decision to open the Sathanur Dam was a mistake and questioned the actions of officials in the Public Works Department and the Minister for Water Resources.
Selvaperunthagai also criticized the BJP and central leadership for their lack of support:
He accused BJP state president K. Annamalai of failing to secure the ₹29,000 crore relief fund requested by the Tamil Nadu government for flood-affected regions like Thoothukudi, Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu.
He highlighted that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, born in Tamil Nadu, had not allocated even ₹1,000 crore in relief for the state.
The Tamil Nadu government has now requested ₹2,000 crore for ongoing flood relief. Selvaperunthagai urged Annamalai to pressure the Prime Minister to release at least ₹1,000 crore immediately.
He called on the central government to declare the current floods and cyclone damage as a national disaster and provide 100% financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation.
The Congress leader emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated effort between the state and central governments to bring relief to affected residents and rebuild the damaged infrastructure.