PM should visit flood-hit Orissa: SP

BHUBANESWAR: The State unit of Samajwadi Party (SP) has demanded visit by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the flood-affected areas of the State in view of the calamity.In a letter to the Prime Minister, SP State president Rabi Behera said the Centre should immediately provide financial assistance to tackle the situation and announce a special package for the post-flood reconstruction work.Stating that the Centre and the State should join hands to accelerate the relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas, Behera wanted special helicopters be pressed into service and Army deployed to deal with the deteriorating situation.Behera said the flood has come at a time when 99 blocks in 16 districts are facing drought