PM Modi holds survey and review of Cyclone Fani's impact in Odisha; West Bengal government declines similar assessment citing election duty as per sources

Even as the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections are underway on Monday, May 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conducted an aerial survey of areas hit by Cyclone Fani in Odisha. However, sources have informed that Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government declined to participate in a similar joint review meeting in cyclone-hit areas in the state of West Bengal. 

As per inputs along with the survey in the cyclone-hit areas of Odisha along with the Odisha CM, the Prime Minister wanted to conduct a similar aerial survey in cyclone-hit areas of West Bengal. Sources said that the PMO on Sunday, May 5, wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for taking forward such a plan. However, the state government allegedly replied on Monday that the government officials are busy with election duty and hence the review meeting cannot take place. 

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Sources informed that the Prime Minister's Office had called and tried to connect the Prime Minister to CM Banerjee twice on Sunday.

"The first time, the staff attempting to place the call was told that the West Bengal Chief Minister is on tour and the call will be returned. On the second occasion too, the staff was told the same by her office and that the call will be returned," the sources said.

However, Trinamool alleged that the Prime Minister only contacted West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi. According to Trinamool sources, the Prime Minister had talked to Tripathi and Odisha Chief Minister but "did not call up" Banerjee. 

Odisha bore the brunt of the Cyclone Fani, termed as the worst cyclone in 20 years, on May 3. Parts of West Bengal also suffered damage. The Prime Minister announced aid of Rs 1000 crore in addition to the Centre's current outlay on Monday.

READ: Cyclone Fani Intensifies In Odisha On Friday, Over A Million Evacuated: LIVE Updates