For NDA govt., welfare, relief ops take priority over polls and politics, says Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of causing extensive damage to Andhra Pradesh and criticised its leaders for undertaking what he termed publicity-oriented visits to cyclone-hit areas. He said his government had placed public welfare and relief operations above elections and political considerations while dealing with the successive cyclones.

Mr. Naidu made the remarks during his visit to cyclone-affected areas in Bapatla and Guntur districts, where he inspected inundated paddy fields and interacted with farmers who suffered crop losses just before harvest due to Cyclone Murasu. Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said some leaders were keen on creating difficulties for the government and added that he would respond to political issues after the completion of the parishad election process.

Loss assessment Mr. Naidu said cyclones Arnab and Murasu had caused extensive damage across the State, with coastal districts bearing the brunt of the latest storm.