Orissa CM disappointed over Centre`s silence on flood demand

Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: Lashing out at the Centre for its silence over the demand of aid made by Orissa for flood victims, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said he was "disappointed" and asked the UPA government to rise above political consideration during the natural calamity.

"Neither the prime minister nor his any cabinet colleague has visited Orissa even as the UPA government was informed about the gravity of the situation from the very beginning," Patnaik told reporters after reviewing flood situation in the state.

Terming the Centre's silence on Orissa's demand as a "neglect" of the state, Patnaik said they (Centre) should rise above political consideration during the natural disaster.

Though as many as 18 of the 30 districts are reeling under flood waters, the Centre preferred not to provide any financial assistance or send a team to access the situation, he alleged.