DMK president M.K. Stalin hit out at the Central government for not annoucing even a preliminary compensation for the districts affected by Cyclone Gaja.
“When the southern border of India has been completely ravaged by nature’s fury, even a preliminary compensation has not been announced by the Centre for rehabilitation of the affected citizens,” Mr. Stalin said in a tweet on Wednesday.
He also said he hoped the Centre would provide the necessary funds at least in this instance as it had not provided enough compensation during earlier natural disasters in Tamil Nadu.
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‘Ready to cooperate’
Earlier in the day, DMK treasurer and deputy leader of opposition Duraimurugan met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami at his residence on Greenways Road, and handed over a cheque of ₹1 crore for relief and rehabilitation operations from the DMK Trust. “This proves that we are ready to cooperate in the rehabilitation work,” Mr. Duraimurugan said when asked about the CM’s allegation that the opposition was only finding faults with the government and not cooperating with the operations.
Mr. Duraimurugan also said that party MPs and MLAs would donate one month’s salary for the purpose as announced by Mr. Stalin.
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Relief materials sent
Mr. Stalin on Wednesday flagged off vehicles carrying relief materials worth ₹76 lakh for persons affected by Gaja. Of this, party’s women’s wing contributed materials worth ₹12 lakh, while DMK Chennai East District contributed materials worth ₹64 lakh, a release said.