Karnataka BJP chief Yeddyurappa to meet PM Modi on Wednesday, discuss Kodagu floods

Bengaluru: BJP's Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday said he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and discuss with him the situation in rain-ravaged Kodagu district. Yeddyurappa said he had already spoken to Modi, who has assured chief minister H D Kumaraswamy all necessary help.

"I will speak to the Prime Minister on the situation in Kodagu and request him for adequate financial assistance and cooperation. I will also request him to conduct an aerial survey of the region if possible," Yeddyurappa told reporters.

Relief and rehabilitation operations are on in Kodagu after torrential rains left a huge trail of destruction which has claimed at least 12 lives and rendered thousands homeless.

BJP MPs and legislators have decided to donate their one-month salary towards relief work in Kodagu district, Yeddyurappa said. The cheque would be sent to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, he said.

About his recent visit to Kodagu, he said each person affected by the rains there had a painful story to tell. "Things are in a very bad state, many have been rendered homeless," he said.

BJP MPs Shobha Karandlaje and Prathap Simha, party legislators, along with Sangh Parivar workers are helping in providing necessary assistance to the needy, Yeddyurappa said, adding that 20-truckloads of necessary items were sent to the district on Tuesday. He also asked people to extend their support by generously contributing to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, as many in Kodagu are to be provided with permanent houses and facilities to rebuild their lives once again.

"Leaving party differences behind, we should all work together to help people of Kodagu," Yeddyurappa said.