Political tamasha puts off donors

 
The official website of the State government reveals that since the impasse began, public response to relief works in the flood-hit areas has come down.

The tussle between the Reddys and Chief Minister Yeddyurappa reached its peak last week (Nov 2 to 7). As each side resorted to numbers game, not a single cheque or DD was deposited at the relief material collection centre set up at Balabrooie Guest House in Bangalore.

Barring the CM’s office in Vidhana Soudha, presentation of cheques/DDs towards the CM’s relief fund has come to a standstill. According to Siddalingesh, OSD to Chief Minister, the total public contribution runs close to Rs 206 crore, excluding commitments. When the differences among the cabinet members was at its peak, the CM’s office received only a few lakhs.

Needless to say that those who contributed their earnings to the relief works are disappointed with the political developments. They allege that the ministers and MLAs were more concerned about their personal interests rather than the relief works.

Kumar Stan of SGS Builders in Indira Nagar had contributed Rs 50,001 towards the flood relief fund. “I felt like doing something for the victims and so I contributed. However, I was disappointed with the turn of events in the political circle later on. It was not the time to rake up differences and strive for selfish ends,” he said.

Sachin Doshi, a native of Rajasthan and an IT professional in Bangalore, voiced out a similar opinion. He contributed Rs 50,000 towards the relief fund. “After all these political developments, I feel that the best thing one could do for the flood victims is to visit the affected area and donate funds to the affected personally,” he said.
The government, however,  does not attribute the dip in public response to the political developments. Raman Tanga, advisor to the CM, who has been looking after contributions for relief works, said there might be a few people who got upset with the political developments and decided not to make contributions to the CM’s relief fund. “But generally as the days go by, people get involved in other issues. This is why the government is not getting as much funds when compared to the initial weeks,” Tanga remarked.

Does not exist!

The State government has set up a Calamity Relief Centre to assist those who wish to contribute to the relief fund. The centre has been provided with two landline phone connections. The numbers are 22353141 / 22260979. But the second number does not exist. Even then the government website continues to carry the same number. Website: http://www.karunadu.gov.in/floodrelief2009