Kerala chief minister meets central leaders

New Delhi, July 7 (UNI) A ministerial delegation from Kerala, led by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, today met President A P J Abdul Kalam, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Finance Minister P Chidamabaram.

While the meeting with the President was described as a ''courtesy call'', the meeting with other ministers were to draw their attention to the plight of Kerala.

During the half-an-hour meeting with Mr Patil, the delegation informed the Home Minister about the extensive damage caused to the infrastructure, houses and agriculture by recent heavy rains and demanded Rs. 149 crore as immediate flood relief from the Centre.

Mr Patil assured the delegation of all possible assistance. He also informed the delegation that an inter-ministerial central team would immediately be deputed to visit the affected areas of the state to assess the damage.

The Chief Minister also met Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and discussed about the state's plan resources.

Tomorrow, the Chief Minister will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

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