Statement by
Shri L.K. Advani
(Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha)

Bhubaneshwar – 24 September 2008

I made an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Orissa today, along with Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik. The devastation caused by the floods in the Mahanadi river and its tributaries following incessant rains has been wide-ranging. A large number of people of have lost their lives. Nearly forty lakh people in 18 out of Orissa's 30 districts have been affected. I am told that over 1.25 lakh people are still marooned.

The worst-hit are the western districts of Bolangir, Kalahandi and Budah and the coastal districts of Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Puri and Bhadrak. The extensive nature of the floods is truly a cause for concern.

The Chief Minister and his Government have responded to the situation with exemplary alacrity and attentiveness. It is obvious that the state is going to require considerable assistance from the Centre in carrying out both immediate relief operations as well as the subsequent rehabilitation and reconstruction measures.

The Central Government has announced a preliminary assistance of Rs. 500 crore. However, this is totally inadequate in view of the extent of the damage caused by the floods. The Orissa Government has submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking initial financial assistance of Rs.2,450 crore. I urge the UPA Government not to discriminate against Orissa for political considerations.

The Centre must also, in cooperation with State Governments, focus on long-term flood-control measures in states like Orissa, Bihar, Assam and others.

I congratulate the Navy and paramilitary forces for their tireless rescue and relief mission. Equally praiseworthy is the effort mounted by various voluntary organizations.

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Since I am in Orissa, I would like to say a few things about the recent unfortunate happenings in the state. The killing of Swami Laxmanananda, a widely revered Hindu leader, and three others was a provocative and highly condemnable incident. The culprits behind this crime must be nabbed and punished. Also, the motive behind the crime also needs to be established.

At the same time, the violent reaction to this incident, resulting in attacks on churches and the killing of many innocent Christians, was also condemnable. The guilty should not be spared. Such incidents must not be repeated, either in Orissa or anywhere else in the country.

The time has come for a free and frank democratic debate on the issue of religious conversions, with a view to building a firm national consensus against proselytisation using methods of coercion or inducements or by vilifying any faith. However, a campaign against conversions cannot and must not become a campaign against any community. There can be no justification for violence or vandalism in the name of religion.

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