Naidu focuses on publicity as cyclone-hit people wait for help

Tadepalli, Oct 28: YSRCP state spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of focusing on publicity while people affected by Cyclone Arnab struggle without adequate help.

 Speaking to the media at the party’s central office, he said the government had failed to move people to safety, alert officials in time and provide essential support. He also criticised ministers for claiming that crop damage was being assessed through CCTV cameras instead of visiting affected areas.

Venkata Reddy said crops across lakhs of acres had been damaged and power and transport links disrupted in hundreds of villages. He alleged that the government had announced a limited damage estimate before completing a field survey, risking further injustice to farmers. He demanded immediate cash assistance, essential supplies, drinking water, safe shelter and quality food for affected families.

He also called for payment of pending compensation and input subsidies for farmers affected by Cyclone Montha, as well as a comprehensive assessment and compensation for all eligible farmers affected by the current cyclone. He urged the government to restore electricity and transport urgently and take steps to prevent loss of life as heavy rain may continue.

He said publicity and Nara Lokesh’s social media posts would not help farmers, and alleged that the cyclone campaign was being used to divert attention from violence and disorder during local elections.