Cyclone hits rural Goa; Cong accuses BJP govt of being laggard

A pre-monsoon cyclone that hit rural areas in Goa has come handy for political parties to attack each other and woo voters in run-up to elections.
The cyclone caused uprooting of trees that fell on a number of houses last night, causing damage mainly to property.
Worst-affected areas are Sattari and Bicholim talukas which fall in North Goa parliamentary constituency.
While BJP has assigned its leaders, led by deputy chief minister Francis D'Souza, to camp in these two talukas, the Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane and his son Vishwajit also toured these talukas.
Congress candidate Ravi Naik also visited the areas.

The BJP has cancelled its scheduled public meeting in Poriem Assembly constituency in Sattari taluka as people are busy with the chores post the cyclone.

BJP North Goa nominee Shripad Naik said the party cadres were working overtime to help the cyclone-affected people.
"The local Panchayat bodies have been asked to submit the report about the destruction caused by cyclone to the Chief Minister's office for further action," he said.
However, the Congress has accused the state government of failing to reach to the people affected by the storm and announced they will create a fund to help those in distress from this constituency.

"The government should have reached to the people in 48 hours. It should have sought relaxation from the Election Commission and poured help for the people in need," state unit Congress president John Fernandes said.
Congress, BJP and AAP are in a straight contest in this constituency, which has been a BJP bastion since last three parliamentary elections.