BJP-led Union government ‘indifferent’, says Tamil Nadu CM Stalin over flood relief

Stalin handed over financial assistance to beneficiaries whose livelihoods were hit by the heavy rainfall and flooding in Thoothukudi.

ByPTI

Published Feb 26, 2024 | 11:43 AM ⚊UpdatedFeb 26, 2024 | 6:33 PM

stalin nirmala sitharaman

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. (mkstalin/ Twitter)

Chief Minister M K Stalin, on Sunday, 25 February, slammed the BJP regime at the Centre, saying it did not release funds to tackle natural disasters, and labelled the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “arrogant” without naming her explicitly.

Handing over financial assistance to beneficiaries whose livelihoods were hit by the heavy rainfall and flooding in Thoothukudi, the Chief Minister said the state had to face two natural disasters in December 2023, and Tamil Nadu had sought ₹37,000 crore assistance from the Union government to tackle the situation.

He alleged, “Funds did not come from the Union government. Not only that, they don’t have any fear that they have to face the people as polls (Lok Sabha) are round the corner; and the Union government and the Union Finance Minister are indifferent.”

Also Read: Lok Sabha polls: DMK begins seat allotment to allies in Tamil Nadu

Stalin criticises Nirmala Sitharaman

  • The Chief Minister credited the DMK regime’s shrewdness for transforming Tamil Nadu into the top-ranking state in the country.
  • He highlighted that world-famous companies are investing in the state due to its growth and potential.
  • Indirectly referring to Nirmala Sitharaman, Stalin alleged that she had arrogantly suggested Tamil Nadu could handle fund matters with shrewdness.
  • Stalin criticised the Finance Minister, stating that such statements were unfitting for her post.
  • Tamil Nadu faced challenges during the north-east monsoon in December 2023, experiencing Cyclone Michaung, extremely heavy rainfall, and floods, resulting in damage to crops, infrastructure, and loss of lives.
  • Specific districts, including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari, were severely affected during the record rainfall, leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents.
  • Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu, DMK MP Kanimozhi, Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management Thangam Thennarasu, and senior government officials, were present during the occasion.

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