Sonia reopens 'flood' gates in Chennai to drown Jaya

CHENNAI: Sharing the dais with DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai on Thursday, Congress president Sonia Gandhi tore into the AIADMK for its “failure to reach out to the people“ during last December's floods and leaving them to fend for themselves.
Playing on a perceived antiincumbency sentiment over the handling of the situation arising from the December flo ods in the city, she said, “At that time of suffering, did your government come forward with help? Did AIADMK come and wipe your tears? Did they bother to reach you and provide relief that you so badly needed?“ Sonia faulted the BJP government for what she called its failure to render assistance to the flood-affected in Tamil Nadu.Yet AIADMK, instead of criticising the Modi government, was supporting it in Parliament, she said. Sonia said Union finance minister had promised to settle the insurance claims of flood-hit people in four weeks, but more than four months have elapsed.
“I salute the people of TN for their courage and resilience during the floods that took many lives and destroyed properties,“ she said.
Neither Sonia nor Karunanidhi spoke about corruption.
Without naming her, Sonia said the CM was “forced to change her position regarding prohibition“ on liquor in TN largely due to an agitation launched by the state Congress. Speaking soon after Jayalalithaa launched her manifesto in Erode, Sonia said, “We don't make false promises like other parties. We take our manifesto very seriously and will implement all our promises.“
Flying into the city in a helicopter from Puducherry where she addressed a public meeting, the UPA chairperson arrived at Island Grounds.. Ahead of PM Modi's rally in Chennai on Friday , Sonia attacked the Centre for reducing funds to key social welfare and rural development programmes for SCs and STs, besides women and children. “Yet, the AIADMK does not protest and continues to support the Modi government in Parliament,“ she said.She also alleged that development in TN has “virtually come to an end.
Karunanidhi spent most of his 10minute speech mostly to introducing the alliance candidates.