CPI (M) workers stage protest in Puducherry

CPI (M) protests delay in Cyclone Fengal relief in Puducherry, demands immediate assistance and permanent solutions for affected areas.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday held a demonstration in front of the District Collectorate to protest the delay in providing relief to Cyclone Fengal affected people in Puducherry.

Party workers took out a rally from Saram to the District Collectorate before staging the demonstration. A delegation led by party secretary S. Ramachandran submitted a memorandum to the District Collector seeking immediate relief assistance. The government has only provided ₹5,000 as cash assistance to affected persons, the memorandum said.

The government should disburse the relief assistance announced to compensate the loss farmers suffered due to floods and for property damage. The Centre should release the assistance of over ₹600 crore sought by the territorial administration, the party said.

The CPI (M) also wanted the government to find a permanent solution to water-logging in Krishna Nagar and other low-lying areas. Party leaders T. Murugan, Sudha Sundararaman, V. Perumal and R. Rajangam were present.

In a separate statement, Mr. Ramachandran flayed the AINRC-BJP government for increasing the price of fuel by ₹2 in Puducherry. The decision to hike the fuel price came immediately after increasing the bus fare. The decision of the government will have a huge impact on the prices of essential commodities, he said.