BS Yediyurappa has done things no govt in past could do: Nalin Kumar Kateel

Bengaluru: State BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Saturday listed a number of facts and figures to drive home his point that the Union and state governments have done a “good job” in implementing relief and rehabilitation work in flood-hit districts, and counter criticism by Opposition parties about lackadaisical approach across the state.

Reeling off data gathered from various departments of the state government, he told the media here: “The state government has not failed in relief work, our Chief Minister Mr Yediyurappa has done things that no government in the past was able to do. He has taken decisions which no government has taken so far. Relief work has been taken up quickly. Our government has done a good job in handling flood relief operations.”  

With regard to support from the Union government, he said New Delhi rushed teams of NDRF and study teams before releasing Rs 1, 200 crores to the state. Referring to measures like grant of Rs 5 lakhs to fully-damaged houses, Rs 10,000 as immediate relief for those affected, and Rs 5,000 monthly as rental amount for those displaced, he said the state government has released Rs 3,000 crore for relief and various initiatives have been taken so far.

Rubbishing criticism about lack of cooperation from the Union government, Mr Kateel said as soon the calamity occurred, NDRF and SDRF teams swung into action and did an excellent work in rescue and relief. Union Ministers visited flood-hit regions and carried out an aerial survey, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in direct contact with the Chief Minister.

“The Chief Minister and Prime Minister had proper coordination, and due procedures have been followed in releasing Rs 1,200 crores. I thank the Prime Minister, home minister, finance minister, Union ministers from the state and the Chief Minister,” he added.

Reacting to the show-cause notice issued to party legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal by the party, Mr Kateel said, “The party functions under discipline and rules, everyone have to conduct themselves accordingly, If not, explanations are sought.”

As many as 103 taluks in 22 districts were affected by floods in August, in which over 80 people were killed. Around seven lakh people were shifted to safe areas and thousands of houses damaged across the state.