Chennai: The model code of conduct has come as a rude shocker for several flood-hit victims of Chennai who are yet to get state’s relief. Despite a whopping Rs 700 crore allocation for relief, several pockets in Chennai and Kancheepuram are yet to be compensated.
Though election officials are optimistic about Election Commission granting permission to continue relief distribution, revenue department officials claim chances of people receiving aid during elections are remote.
Efforts to obtain the number of persons who received the sum from the collectorate went in vain. However, sources in Tambaram taluk said more than 40 per cent of beneficiaries in the taluk, including residents of Mudichur and Padappai, are yet to receive the assistance. Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni told DC the compensation could be distributed if collectors obtain EC’s clearance.
But revenue officials and political leaders speak a different tale. “Amid the serious campaigning, focus will not be on flood relief,” hinted a revenue department official.
“Rather than focussing on multiple schemes like small buses, the government should have prioritised relief as it is the need of the hour,” said DMK councillor from Chitlapakkam, C. Suresh.
