The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Manmohan's visit disappointing: TDP

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Sunday, Jan 02, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Manmohan's visit disappointing: TDP

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JAN. 1. The Telugu Desam Party on Saturday expressed disappointment at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's `flying visit' to the tsunami-affected areas of the State and termed his announcement of Rs.100-crore relief as `measly'.

Addressing a press conference, three members of the Rajya Sabha belonging to TDP -- C. Ramachandraiah, R. Chandrasekhara Reddy and K. Ramamohan Rao -- said if the Prime Minister had visited at least a few affected areas by road, he would have known the gravity of the situation. They wondered if his visit was deliberately cut short by the State Government so as not to undermine the impending visit of the AICC president, Sonia Gandhi.

`Lost opportunity'

They said it was surprising that the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, expressed happiness at the amount announced by the Prime Minister, though it was nothing compared to the havoc wreaked by the waves. "The Government has underplayed the gravity and lost a good opportunity to get more assistance".

Demand for grant

Moreover, there was no clarity on the amount, they said. It was not clear if it was grant or advance from the Calamity Relief Fund. If it was advance, the Government should demand that it be converted into a grant.

They took exception to the way six Union Ministers stayed either in New Delhi or Hyderabad instead of visiting the affected coastal areas. They did not take up the issue of rehabilitation package with the Prime Minister either, they alleged.

The MPs demanded immediate relief and rehabilitation programme for the affected people especially fishermen, a special plan for developing the shore area.

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