As I watched the relentless rains turn our beloved city of vijayawada into a waterlogged maze, my heart ached for those directly affected. Floods aren't just about water; they bring with them a wave of uncertainty, fear, and, in many cases, loss. In these trying times, what we need most is leadership and unity, not division.

The government has been actively working on the ground, with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and several MLAs tirelessly leading the relief efforts. The Disaster Management department, too, has been on its toes, ensuring that every possible measure is taken to safeguard the lives and properties of our fellow citizens. It's a Herculean task, and as a common man, I can only imagine the challenges they face daily.

Yet, amid this crisis, politics seems to have found its way into the conversation. deputy cm Pawan Kalyan, a figure I respect for his straightforwardness and commitment to the people, has come under fire for not being physically present in the flood-affected areas. At first glance, it was easy to join the chorus of critics, questioning why he wasn't there with the people, sharing in their struggles.

However, Pawan Kalyan's recent statement gave me pause. He explained that officials had advised him against visiting the flooded areas, citing that his presence could hinder the ongoing relief efforts. In his words, "At the time of catastrophe, helping is important and not throwing blame." It’s a perspective that resonated with me. In such critical moments, the focus should be on maximizing the efficiency of relief operations, not on who is seen where.

I can understand the frustration of those who expected to see their leaders on the ground. It's a natural reaction, driven by the belief that our leaders should be shoulder-to-shoulder with us in times of need. But sometimes, true leadership means making tough decisions, even if it means facing criticism.

As we move forward, I hope we can all keep our eyes on what truly matters—getting through this crisis together. The state government has deployed 262 special teams and opened 176 relief camps. The panchayat raj department is fully engaged in these efforts. This is where our energy and attention should be focused.

Let's not forget that floods will recede, and the time for political discussions will come. But for now, our priority should be to support the ongoing relief efforts, in whatever way we can. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about who was where—it’s about what we can do, as a community, to help those in need.