Modi assures support to Tamil Nadu govt in tackling rain fallout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured all assistance to rain-ravaged Tamil Nadu in tackling the fallout of the downpour in the state capital and some districts, including Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur.

"I assure all possible support to the Tamil Nadu government to tackle the situation due to rains," Modi said at a function to celebrate the 75th anniversary celebrations of Tamil daily Dina Thanthi.

The prime minister expressed grief over the death of those who died in the rain over the last few days. So far, nine people have lost their lives across the state in rain-related incidents.

Modi also asked the media to have healthy competition and urged them to take extra effort to maintain credibility.

"Editorial freedom must be used wisely in public interest," he said.

The prime minister said that media should ensured that the freedom to write and decide should not include the freedom to be "factually incorrect".

He also  mourned the death of senior journalist and general secretary of the Madras Union of Journalists R Mohan (54) who died following a cardiac attack on Sunday.

Modi was received by Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister K Palaniswami at the Chennai airport from where he proceeded to INS Adyar by helicopter.

Tight security was in place in view of the prime minister's visit.