BRS Criticizes Government's Flood Response in Khammam

BRS party MLAs conducted a tour of flood-affected areas in Khammam, criticizing the Congress government's inadequate response. BRS leader Harish Rao condemned the state's failure to provide necessary aid and demanded substantial compensation for victims. The party also criticized underreporting death tolls and stressed immediate restoration of essential services.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party's MLAs conducted a comprehensive tour of flood-affected areas in Khammam, expressing deep disappointment with the Congress government's response. The tour included visits to Karunagiri Rajiv Gruhakalpa, Venkateshwara Nagar, and Bokkalagadda areas on Monday, followed by a press briefing at the Khammam BRS party office. Former Minister Harish Rao criticized the state government's handling of the flood situation, according to a release by the BRS.

Harish Rao expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's failure to effectively respond to the floods, as per the party's release. 'Previously, the government was proactive, alerting the public and taking necessary measures during crises. The current administration couldn't even dispatch a helicopter for rescue operations. The Chief Minister's sarcastic remarks show a lack of seriousness in governance,' he said.

Rao highlighted the extensive damage suffered by households, with losses ranging from Rs 4 to 10 lakh per family. 'People have lost their gold, educational certificates, and other valuable possessions. The government's ineffectiveness in providing basic necessities, such as clean drinking water, is deeply concerning,' he added. Further criticising the Chief Minister, Rao pointed out the difference between his past demands and current actions. 'The CM once demanded Rs 20 lakh in compensation for flood victims. Now, he claims Rs 10,000 is enough, which is grossly inadequate. We demand that the government provide Rs 2 lakh in compensation to each affected family,' Rao asserted.

Rao also emphasized the need to restore essential services, especially electricity, and criticised the government's maintenance of critical infrastructure. 'The Sagar canal broke in two places due to poor welding, causing significant losses for farmers. These farmers should receive Rs 50,000 in compensation for their losses,' he demanded. Additionally, he expressed concern over alleged government attempts to underreport the death toll from the floods. 'In Khammam district alone, nine people died, yet the government claims only 16 deaths statewide. This attempt to obscure the truth is unacceptable,' Rao said.

Harish Rao condemned a recent attack by Congress supporters on the BRS MLAs team in Khammam. 'It is shocking that, while we work to bring relief, Congress supporters resort to violence. This attack reflects their frustration and failure to support people during this crisis,' Rao remarked. The BRS party laid out demands, including Rs 25 lakh compensation for each family that lost a loved one, Rs 30,000 per acre for farmers with crop losses, Rs 50,000 for those affected by sand deposits, free replacement of lost educational certificates, Rs 5.2 lakh for each of the 3,000 displaced families, and immediate restoration of essential services and infrastructure.

'These demands are essential for the victims to rebuild their lives. The government must act swiftly and responsibly,' Harish Rao emphasized. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)