PM’s cyclone relief signifies improved state-centre relationship

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a Rs. 2,000 crore allocation for temporary restoration work in the aftermath of cyclone Fengal. During a phone call with the Prime Minister regarding the cyclone damage, Stalin reiterated this demand and also requested the deployment of a central team to assess the damage. The Prime Minister agreed to the request, and a central team conducted a damage assessment.
In his memorandum, the Chief Minister strongly urged the central government to allocate Rs.6,675 crore to fully rehabilitate Tamil Nadu from the cyclone's impact.
In this context, the Union government has now sanctioned ₹944.80 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund for Tamil Nadu for Cyclone Fengal relief.
This marks a notable shift in the stance of Prime Minister Modi, who had previously been criticized for neglecting Tamil Nadu during past cyclones and floods. While the central government had not allocated even a single paisa during previous crises, it has now provided funds for relief and appears to be extending a hand of goodwill towards the Tamil Nadu government.
Beyond alleviating the distress caused by Cyclone Fengal, this gesture also signifies a strengthening of relations between the Union government and Tamil Nadu State Government.