Karat for coherent approach from parties to meet flood crisis

Patna, Aug 9 (UNI) Senior CPI(M) leader and polit bureau member Brinda Karat today urged all political parties to work together to provide relief among the flood-affected people of north Bihar.

After visiting the affected areas of the state, Ms Karat told newspersons here the leaders of all political parties should keep their differences at bay and help the people.

''Due to paucity of boats, relief opeartion in some affected areas are not being carried out,'' she said adding, ''The state government should take remedial steps to combat the situation, otherwise the situation would soon become out of control.'' ''I met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today and informed him that relief operation was being carried out at a snail's pace and the whatever food packets were being distributed through the government machineries were not reaching to worst-affected areas,'' Ms Karat said while adding Mr Kumar had assured her of accelerating the relief distribution and removing all the shortcomings at the earliest.

''Mr Kumar has informed me that all party meetings on the flood situation would be called soon and support from all corners would be taken to meet this grave challange of natural calamity,'' she said.

Ms Karat said she would urge Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to enhance Central assistance to Bihar so to tide over the crisis.

UNI