A delegation of BJP leaders met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday to demand financial help and logistical support for rebuilding the cyclone-hit Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Accusing the Centre of “neglecting” the States, particularly Andhra Pradesh; the delegation said both States are reeling under heavy losses brought on by the recent cyclones ‘Phailin’ and ‘Helen’.
“Andhra Pradesh has suffered losses to the tune of Rs. 45,000 crore in the past 10 years on account of calamities and despite asking for financial help of Rs.44,900 crore, the Centre has so far released only Rs.2,540.27 crore, a mere five per cent of what was sought,” said senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu who led the delegation.
“Despite having 33 Members of Parliament and 13 Union Ministers from Andhra Pradesh, the UPA I and II governments, which have been in power for the past nine-and-a-half years have totally neglected the State,” Mr. Naidu said.
The delegation apprised the Prime Minister that the relief amount of Rs.1,000 crore that was announced for each of these States has also not been released.
“We have asked for families of the deceased persons to be given an ex gratia of Rs.5 lakh each and all the houses that were damaged should be reconstructed by the government through the Central government schemes. The discoloured paddy needs to be purchased by the Food Corporation of India and the discoloured cotton needs to be procured by the Cotton Corporation of India. The seeds and fertilizer for Rabi crop should be made available to farmers at a highly subsidised rate because they have lost everything. Also, crop loans should be waived off in the rain affected areas,” Mr. Naidu said.
The delegation that included Dharmendra Pradhan, MP and general secretary, BJP, Hansraj Ahir, MP, Jual Oram, former Union Minister and vice president, BJP, Manmohan Samal, former Revenue Minister of Orissa and G. Kishan Reddy, MLA and president of the AP unit of BJP, has also sought input subsidy of Rs.15,000 per acre for cotton, Rs.25,000 per acre for horticulture crops and Rs.10,000 per acre for paddy.
