No relief after hours in queue

No relief after hours in queue
HIMANSHU KAUSHIK

MORBI, FEB 15: As if braving the cold nights in open streets and tents was not enough, now the quake-affected residents of Morbi have been facing the freezing morning winds as they queue up for their share of relief material being distributed by the BJP workers.

In Morbi yesterday, huge number of people -- both young and old -- lined up in long queues to receive relief materials hours before dawn. By 12 noon, their number had crossed 5,000. The relief distribution camp had been organised by the BJP, only for the residents of Morbi. Despite claims that it was ``the most organised distribution of relief'', there were many who returned dissatisfied.

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Many like Kavita Ramprasad returned empty handed. Kavita had recently shifted to Morbi from Tankara and her ration card had not been renewed. ``The distributors simply saw the first address and refused me help as it was meant only for Morbi residents,'' she said. Despite much pleading, Kavita, who had got her chance at 9.30 am after waiting in queue since five in the morning, failed to get her case heard.

Radha Patel had arrived at the camp at about 7 am, but was still in the queue at 12 noon. Gunvantiben Somabhai said she had come in at 7.30 am and was not sure whether she would be able to get the supplies or not.

BJP workers claimed though they tried their best to make it an equal distribution, they failed to do so as those who had not been affected by the quake also queued up in large numbers for supplies.

The camp was strictly meant ``for the cardholder'' residents of Morbi to ensure that the right people make it to the supplies, they informed, adding that every cardholder at the camp was given a blanket, some clothes, potatoes and other stuff.

The distribution of relief supplies by the BJP had started a few days back. It was stopped midway as the party ``wanted to store things'' and then commenced again on Wednesday.