Equating the flood situation in Tamil Nadu to that of West Bengal during last monsoon, the leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have blamed the centre for discriminating Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on the issue of relief funds.
“The Centre has released money to Chennai for flood relief within seven days. We want Chennai to get more [fund], but West Bengal cannot be ignored,” said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
“Despite our repeated pleas, the central government has not released the relief fund.
“If we do not get the money from the Centre, there will be protests. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose said that if one does not get what he rightfully deserves, then it should be snatched,” Banerjee said addressing an event in Bandwan of Purulia district.
Banerjee, who in August met Modi and sought Rs 21,000 crore for relief and reconstruction work for the flood-ravaged 12 Bengal districts, has been repeatedly slamming the centre over the issue charging it with ‘step-motherly treatment’.
While leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, “Despite huge financial crisis, the West Bengal government has already spent Rs 1,000 crore for flood relief. The Centre must deal with flood and drought in Bengal on equal priority with flood in Tamil Nadu,”
{{/usCountry}}While leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay said, “Despite huge financial crisis, the West Bengal government has already spent Rs 1,000 crore for flood relief. The Centre must deal with flood and drought in Bengal on equal priority with flood in Tamil Nadu,”
{{/usCountry}}In the Rajya Sabha, TMC MP Derek O’Brien, however, reiterated that the party had “no problem” with Chennai getting the fund and on time. He rather insisted on overhauling the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).