Bias in food distribution: Vaithilingam

PUDUCHERRY: Alleging discrimination by the officials in the distribution of food packets to cyclone victims, opposition leader V Vaithilingam, on Sunday, charged that even two days after cyclone Thane hit Puducherry, people in several areas were still without safe drinking water and electricity supply.Vaithilingam slammed the government and officials for showing discrimination even in the distribution of food packets, which were given only to those who voted for the ruling party. He wondered how the cyclone would have segregated those who voted for and against the government before its landfall. An emotionally charged Vaithilingam said that the state government and officials were sluggish in their response and had failed to extend any assistance to those affected. He asked whether the relief amount of `2000, as announced by chief minister N Rangasamy on Saturday, was enough for the renovation of huts, which had collapsed during the cyclone.The former Chief Minister went to the extent of saying “the rulers are not bothered about anything and just wanted to remain in the chair for the next five years.”