Advani speaks to PM on California fire

Opposition Leader L K Advani spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday, expressing concern over the wildfires sweeping across California and the possibility of Indian casualties.

Advani asked Singh whether the Government had any information about Indians affected by the fire in southern California and inquired about steps being taken to ensure their safety.

California has a sizeable Indian population — majority of them businessmen from Gujarat. The Prime Minister informed Advani that he did not have any information off-hand and would get back to him, said Advani’s office. Meanwhile, US ambassador to India David C Mulford met Advani on Wednesday.