Cyclone Arnab has left parts of Andhra Pradesh facing damage to crops, homes and public services. As relief work continues, the state government is facing questions from the Opposition over its response to the storm.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy on Thursday criticised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s government, alleging that publicity had taken priority over helping affected people.
Reddy claimed that officials were not alerted in time and that people had not received enough support. He also questioned the government’s early estimate of crop damage, saying a full field survey should be completed first.
He said crops across lakhs of acres had been affected and that power and transport links were disrupted in hundreds of villages. He urged the government to provide cash aid, drinking water, food and safe shelter to affected families.
The YSRCP leader also sought compensation and input subsidies for farmers affected by Cyclone Montha, along with a full review of losses from Cyclone Arnab. He called for the quick restoration of electricity and transport services.
Separately, YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy urged Tirupati officials to strengthen election security, install CCTV cameras at polling stations and act against alleged intimidation of candidates.
The allegations were made by YSRCP leaders. The source did not include a response from the state government.
