Chandrababu Naidu directs his party cadre to help flood-hit regions in Andhra

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday directed the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadre to assist in relief operations in flood-hit regions of the state.

His directions came as heavy rain continued to batter several parts of that state, causing severe flooding, landslides, damage to properties and crippling normal life.

He issued the instructions during a teleconference with the party leaders and activists in the state.

The Chief Minister said that since the unexpected floods severely hit the state, loss of lives could be brought down with preventive measures.

He said that even while in Opposition, the TDP extended possible help to the people spending from their own funds. He said that whenever his party is in power, all measures are taken to see to it that the people do not face any inconvenience.

Instructing party activists to actively take part in the relief measures, the TDP chief said that all those who are on the Krishna River basin should stand by the people, ensuring all possible help to them. “If the government’s assistance is necessary, inform the authorities concerned immediately”, he said.

Chandrababu Naidu made it clear that all party MPs, ministers and the MLAs too should make ground visits, adding that a review would soon be conducted on their participation in the relief operations.

“People will get a good impression on us only when we act effectively while in power. During the Hud Hud cyclone hit Visakha area, we stayed there for a whole week to bring the situation back to normal, following which they elected four TDP candidates in 2019 polls and in the recent elections they gave a heavy majority”, he said.

Asking the party activists to be on the ground for three days beginning Sunday, Chandrababu fondly remembered that on the same day 30 years ago, he took oath as the Chief Minister and in those three decades he has witnessed several positive and negative situations.

Asserting that the sacrifices made by the party leaders and activists are being studied, Chandrababu Naidu expressed happiness that 93 per cent of pensions were distributed despite heavy rain.

At least eight people have been killed in rain-related incidents like flooding and landslides in Andhra Pradesh.

Several residents from low-lying areas were moved to safer locations, and around 80 people were rescued from various spots as the national and state disaster relief forces and police conducted operations.