Support relief and reconstruction in Uttarakhand: Niranjan to CM

BHUBANESWAR: Senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik has asked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to send an all-party delegation to Uttarakhand and draw a plan for contributing to the reconstruction effort in the flood-ravaged state.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, the former Odisha Minister said Naveen should contribute and share the anguish of the people of this beleaguered state.

The former OPCC President requested the Chief Minister to stand by the people and the government of Uttarakhand, which has gone through the major loss of life and states' heritage.

"In the past when Odisha needed help many states were generous in extending their services and gratitude. Now, when it is our time to come forward we should not be found wanting," said Niranjan Patnaik.

"I request you to send an all party delegation to the affected state and draw out a plan for contributing to the reconstruction effort," he said.

Uttarakhand has special needs because of its hilly terrain. "The state should adopt a few villages; maybe we can help in repair of a stretch of road or a few bridges and consider sending some heavy machines. The team can meet the Chief Minister to express solidarity and to assess the state's need," Niranjan Patnaik stated in his letter.

"As you may realise this is not the time to take a partisan or political view of death and destruction of such magnitude. But, I felt that the response of our state has been inadequate and therefore, I am writing this letter to express my concern," he said.