Bangalore: In the wake of criticism by
Governor H R Bhardwaj over relief works, Karnataka Chief
Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday met him and sought to impress
upon him the steps initiated by his government to provide
succour to people in flood-ravaged areas.
"The Governor has expressed satisfaction over
implementation of relief works. I have invited him to
participate in foundation laying ceremony for Aasare housing
project to be launched in one of the districts of North
Karnataka," Yeddyurappa told reporters after his meeting.
Yeddyurappa's meeting comes two days after Bhardwaj
had publicly expressed his dissatisfaction over the progress
of relief works, saying "nothing has been done" by the
government.
"You should know that I am disappointed that the
community has not been helped," Bhardwaj had said, in his
remarks which Yeddyurappa today attributed to "lack of proper
information".
Describing the meeting as cordial, Yeddyurappa said he
explained to the Governor about the relief works and the aid
received from the Centre.
Speaking to reporters before his meeting with
Bhardwaj, the chief minister said "the task of providing
relief to the affected people who bore the brunt of the
century's worst-ever deluge is not a simple one".
"The Governor might have made such a comment on the
basis of lack of information. I myself will meet him to
provide details or depute chief secretary to furnish a report
on the relief works," he said.
The Centre has so far provided an assistance of Rs 839
crore for flood and drought relief as against the loss of Rs
18,568 crore projected by the state, Yeddyurappa said.
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Union Law Minister
M Veerappa Moily have appreciated the relief works carried out
by the state, he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 21:37