Chennai, April 22(BPNS)
With Covid on the surge and the daily cases in the state touching around 11,500 the political parties have called upon their cadres to become health volunteers. While the BJP has a miniscule presence in the state, the RSS has a strong cadre work force and has deputed its cadres to create awareness among public as well as in emergency situations to transport patients to hospitals and even in crematoriums.
Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, Tamil Nadu state secretary of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, the think tank of the RSS while speaking to BPNS said “ We have always been in the forefront to be in the service and our cadres are in every emergency situation and we are always for the people at any time round the clock. We are taking all the precautions in maintaining Covid protocol and are ready for service.”
The mainstream political parties of Tamil Nadu, both DMK and AIADMK have directed their cadres to be available for the public during the tough times. DMK has opened a 24 hour helpline to take note of the people’s issues and then depute medical professionals to the areas that need attention.
The helpline is supporting people to get connected with doctors and providing replies to the queries regarding the health conditions and the ways to be on guard against the disease. While the state health department is providing round the clock service regarding Covid information, the DMK helpline is also flooded with calls from the public.
The AIADMK is coordinating closely with the health department and the respective civic bodies and reaching out to people who are in need of assistance. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam is in charge of the AIADMK team which is handling the Covid emergency with doctors and other medical professionals heading the team.
Super star turned political leader, Kamal Haasan has called upon his cadres to be active in the field and to be always supportive of the people in the trying time of Covid. In a social media appeal to the general public, the South Indian super star called upon the people to wear masks and to keep social distancing from one another and to totally reduce social gatherings as the pandemic is on the surge in the state.
The Indian Union Muslim League has also called upon its cadres in their strong holds to volunteer among the people to create awareness as well as to directly extend support to those in need. Party national president Kader Mohideen while speaking to BPNS said, “ We have directed our party cadres to be supportive of those in need and to provide direct help to those suffering from the disease by providing food and other essentials.”
DMK cadres have also started distributing food packets among the guest workers in Coimbatore after several industrial units have shut shop.
K Thamarakannu, DMK leader from Coimbatore South while speaking to BPNS said ,” We are distributing food packets and packaged drinking water among the guest workers who are in large numbers.
Several industrial units have shut shop following the spread and most of them are supporting the workers by providing them food and other facilities, we are chipping in certain units where they don’t have the means to support the workers.“
