The meteorological centres are describing Fani as an extremely severe cyclonic storm which is crossing the Odisha coast today with winds reaching a speed of over 200 kmph. The Election Commission of India has lifted the election code in Odisha which is under heavy impact. But the EC is refusing to give similar exemption to AP CM Chandrababu Naidu to launch damage mitigation measures in vulnerable areas in the state.

As a people elected Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu is claiming his every right to respond to public needs in a time of natural disasters such as cyclones. He has written to the EC for lifting code but there’s no response to it till now. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary LV Subrahmanyam conducted review meetings on cyclone but he didn’t care to consult and take advice from the chief minister. Rival parties are engaged in mutual allegations. For the people, it is leaving an impression of how politics rears its ugly head over any issue during election season. The needless politicking has put relief operations in danger in AP. The EC has clarified in the past that the code will not apply in times of natural disasters. Now CM Naidu is not being allowed to perform his duties to coordinate damage control measures. It has triggered heated debates between TDP and YCP.