CT Ravi, MLA and the general secretary of Karnataka BJP, has been quoted by Kannada TV channels as slamming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa over her refusal to accept the relief fund donated by the Karnataka government.
The BJP MLA has said Jayalalithaa's refusal sends a wrong message to the public, and that she should accept the donation made by the Karnataka government when the neighbouring state is in need of financial assistance during such crisis, reports Public TV.
"It is natural for people to extend their helping hand during tough times, and one's ego should not come in the way while accepting generous contributions, as it only hurt her state, " he reportedly said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a flood-relief fund for Tamil Nadu after Chennai was hit by heavy rain leading to massive flooding. He had directed Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee to hold talks with Tamil Nadu government officials.
However, the TN officials informed the Karnataka government they have the necessary supplies and other assistance required to recover from the losses, and would ask for assistance if and when needed, reports Public TV.
It has to be noted that J Jayalalithaa has sought Rs 5,000 crore aid from the Centre, and also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the rain and flooding a national disaster. The BJP-led NDA government has already sanctioned Rs 1,000 crore for immediate relief to flood victims.
CT Ravi also took Twitter to pray for the citizens of Chennai. He posted: "I Humbly Pray for Those Who Lost Their Lives in Tamilnadu Rains. Hope this type of Calamity Never Visits Any Other Region of India in Future. (sic)"
He also praised the courage shown by the people when badly affected by the natural calamity. He added, "Vanakkum CHENNAI !!! Salute Your Resilience & Resistance to Nature's Wrath. I am very sure You will Bounce Back to Normalcy Very Soon (sic)"
The unprecedented rain and the resulting flooding in Chennai has already taken the lives of over 270 and displaced thousands of people.
