News Tamil Nadu

“You Ask The MP How Many Were Affected And Tell Him To Provide The Relief,” DMK Minister Moorthy Responds To CPI-M MP Venkatesan’s ₹25,000 Flood Relief Request

October 30, 2024
The Commune

The tensions within the DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu have intensified as Madurai MP Su Venkatesan of the CPI-M and P Moorthy, the DMK Minister for Commercial Tax and Registration, have engaged in another verbal criticism. Venkatesan is calling on the government to allocate ₹25,000 in relief for families affected by the floods, while Moorthy has responded critically to the MP’s request. This exchange has further exacerbated an already escalating feud amidst the ongoing monsoon floods in Madurai.

According to P. Moorthy, the Commercial Taxes Minister, the heavy rainfall in Madurai has not led to any major damage, and all standing water has been promptly cleared. In response to MP Su Venkatesan’s request for ₹25,000 in relief for flood-affected families, Moorthy stated that the MP needs to identify specific impacted areas and provide justification for the relief.

Moorthy made these remarks while handing out house allotment orders to 47 sanitation workers under the ‘Housing for All’ scheme on Tuesday. He emphasized that there was no significant damage from the rain, and any accumulated water was dealt with effectively. If there are indeed affected areas, he urged Venkatesan to specify them or take the initiative to provide the relief himself.

The reporters asked Minister Moorthy about CPI-M MP Venkatesan’s request to the Chief Minister for the release of funds for those affected. Minister Moorthy responded, “He says to give, ask him where it has affected. You should ask him to whom and where we should give 25,000 rupees and ask the MP how many were affected. Based on his reply, you can ask him to give.”

The minister also announced that ₹11 crore has been allocated for the construction of a permanent canal linking Sellur tank to the Vaigai River. Moreover, plans are underway to build canals in regions lacking adequate drainage to prevent future water stagnation.

Regarding ongoing flood relief efforts, Moorthy mentioned that 107 medical camps have been established in areas where water has pooled. He added that District Collector Sangeetha and Corporation Commissioner Dinesh Kumar are scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister on 30 October to assess the situation and discuss measures taken to mitigate flood damage following Thevar Jayanthi celebrations. Additionally, the minister inspected the cleaning of the Bibikulam channel.

In Madurai district, tensions have already erupted between DMK and CPI-M party members over the issue of free Pattas, and this conflict has intensified in the wake of recent rains and flooding. The heavy downpours have inundated many areas, severely impacting the local population.

In light of the situation, MP S. Venkatesan emphasized, “The heavy rains and floods have caused significant loss of basic necessities for the people of Madurai. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to provide at least 25,000 rupees in compensation to the affected families.” He also highlighted that Madurai district is witnessing renewed unrest within the DMK alliance. Former Minister Sellur Raju had previously made a similar request, but Minister P. Moorthy did not respond at the time. Now, Venkatesan has voiced his frustrations regarding the lack of action.

(With Inputs From TOI)

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