Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Annamalai along with other party leaders today (6 December) distributed food and other essential items to those affected by the floods and waterlogging caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “We’ve rescued so many people till midnight. Without having any power, just with ordinary citizens’ support, BJP is doing its part…it is very unfortunate to see Chennai reeling under this kind of rain time and again.

“There is a systemic failure and for the past 45 years, this is the story of Chennai. Politicians keep promising but they have all failed…political will is very short-sighted, it is not long term…we won’t talk about it now but after 3-4 days from now, once the situation improves…We want people to look at alternatives now…”

Earlier, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), BJP state secretary SG Suryah stated that party members from all over the state had sent relief material to the party headquarters and this would be distributed across the city.

The cyclone, which later made landfall near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, caused heavy rain and damage in the city and neighbouring districts like Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an interim relief of Rs 5060 crore.