'Convene a special session to discuss relief works'

Speaking to presspersons in Madikeri on Saturday, he said all party meeting convened by the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on October 5 should be postponed.
“People in 10 to 12 districts are suffering from flood. Property worth crores have been damaged. Eight districts have also suffered due to heavy rains in the past. The victims have not received any compensation so far. There is a need to discuss all the issues related to rain in detail,” he added.

Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders will tour North Karnataka which is affected by rain from October 5. As a result, we can not attend all party meeting scheduled to be held on October 5. Relief work must be undertaken on war foot basis.

“Inspite of meterological department forecasting heavy rains in the state, government had not taken any precautionary measures. It didn’t even bother to know the condition of the people who live near the reservoir. Government do not have any concern towards people who are in distress. It has failed to undertake relief measures,” he alleged.

Siddaramaiah said “Centre has released Rs 284 crore to take up relief works. However, state government has released only 115 crore so far. State treasury is empty and is on the verge of collapse. To divert the attention of the people, CM is blaming the centre,” he added.

Government has failed in collecting taxes. It should discard old and worn out rules and regulations for distributing compensation, Siddaramaiah added.