Jayalalithaa flays Centre, alleges "indifference"

Chennai, Feb 3: Chief minister Jayalalithaa on Friday blamed Central ministers in UPA from Tamil Nadu for its 'indifferent' attitude towards the state even when it sought financial assistance for relief and restoration work after cyclone 'Thane' hit Cuddalore and Villupuram districts.

She made the intervention in the state assembly when CPI member Arumugam said the Centre had not allotted funds as sought by the state government.

"From the very first day since the cyclone hit (on December 30), we asked the Centre for funds," Jayalalithaa said.

Congress MLA Rangarajan intervened to say that all their five legislators were assured by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chairman that the issue would be taken to the high command.

"I am not blaming them (five Congress MLAs). I'm blaming the Central ministers in the UPA government who are being indifferent. I am referring to people like Chidambaram who are ministers from this state and are yet to do anything," Jayalalithaa said.

She said Rs 5000 crore was sought from the Centre, but there was "neither (any) answer nor funds from them."

"Then we thought we have to do it ourselves and sanctioned Rs 850 crore and launched restoration works. Later we published appeals in newspapers for people to donate... only by that afternoon (after the appeal was published), I don't know whether Centre was ashamed or something, they sanctioned Rs 500 crore. This shows how the Centre is being indifferent to the state," she said.

PTI