Don't politicise relief

The allegations cannot be brushed aside only because these are coming from the opposition camp. The scale of devastation caused by the floods should alone be reason enough for the decision-makers to take such complaints seriously. It is absolutely necessary to reach the worstaffected people with all kinds of succour, leaving aside political considerations of any kind.

Apart from the opposition allegations that its MPs are being sidetracked, the possibility of vested interests preparing fake lists of 'victims' in a bid to misappropriate relief goods cannot be ruled out. These concerns merit serious attention if we are to stand by the multitudes of flood victims in a real sense.

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The flood situation is extremely grim at the moment. There have been more than 400 deaths and crores of people are passing their days amid great uncertainty. This is certainly not the time for any party or individual to place their interests above the collective needs of the people. We should not forget that the victims themselves have nothing to do with politics.

The role of the government is crucial in mitigating the plight of the victims. So it is expected that the official relief distribution process will be kept above controversy of any kind.

The government should form joint committees with opposition MPs and local leaders to broaden the base of relief operations. The crisis we are passing through is a grave one, and collective efforts are needed to minimise the sufferings of the people. It is time a greater commitment were shown to the cause for serving the flood victims by working together, irrespective of political affiliations.