Poll conduct prevents CM from sharing info on rain

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Did the model code of conduct come in the way of the CM briefing the media about the steps taken by the state government for rescue and rehabilitation work in the rain-hit districts?

Yes. according to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai himself. The CM held a marathon video conferencing meet with deputy commissioners’ of all districts at his home office here on Friday to assess the situation in the wake of severe rains in the last four to five days due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal. The meeting started at 4 pm instead of 1 pm. The CM was supposed to share with the media information about the steps taken by the government to mitigate the problems of people in the rain affected districts.

The government was to announce ex-gratia for five families that lost their near and dear ones in house collapse and also total collapse of shelters at many places across the state. As per norms, Rs 5 lakh compensation is paid to the kin of those who die in natural calamities and a few thousands to people injured in rain havoc.

According to information reaching here, several hundreds of houses were either partially or totally damaged due to incessant rains. After the meeting, the CM did not talk to the media citing the model code of conduct as the election to 25 Council seats from local bodies constituencies is slated to be held on December 10. A few years ago, a similar situation had cropped up and at that time the Election Commission of India had clarified that the code of conduct does not come in the way of announcing relief for victims of nature’s fury. Sources said the code of conduct does not prevent the CM from visiting affected areas either to witness the extent of damage and for issuing directions to the authorities to take up rescue and rehabilitation work on priority.

Rains have been pounding several districts of the state for the last three to four days submerging the hopes of several thousands of farmers as the standing crops were ready for harvesting. Farmers expect the government to come forward to address their misery. Several families were literally on the streets following the collapse of their houses in villages. The rules allow the district administration to release the required amount to rebuild their homes.

The worst-hit is Bengaluru city with the roads becoming a nightmare for citizens to ride in the rain. The rains in the last one week have further damaged the roads. The CM has promised to take up repairs of roads only after the rains stop.