Flood relief fund: Rs 500 Cr to PM Modi’s Gujarat, why step-motherly attitude towards Assam

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a multi-crore packages relief package for his home state Gujarat.

Not only the PM conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected districts but also announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next relatives of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

The worst hits in floods were Assam and Gujarat. Though both these states are ruled by the BJP but WHY PM has shown a step-motherly attitude and discrimination towards Assam in allocating flood relief fund from the central government.

As many as 20 states, including Assam, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal, have been affected by heavy rains or floods during the current southwest monsoon season.

Approximately 600 people have lost their lives and people were rendered homeless and are living in relief shelters. Cattle heads have perished, 63,215 houses/huts damaged and about 2.8 lakh hectare of crop reportedly affected due to heavy rains, floods and landslides.

“PM Narendra Modi rushed to Gujarat and announced 500 crore interim relief and Ex-gratia of 2 Lakh for flood victims and 50 thousand for injured. Assam floods claimed 76 lives, Narendra Modi never visited and his government has not released adequate funds,” former Congress chief minister Tarun Gogoi lashed out at the Centre on Tuesday.

 

“Forget the announcement of an aid package; the PM didn’t even consider visiting Assam himself or sending a senior minister. It clearly shows Centre’s biased attitude to our state,” farmers activist Akhil Gogoi said.

“Over 70 died in Assam flood. Modi sends junior minister (Kiren) Rijiju. Flood in Gujarat. Modi flies himself. Why two separate standards?” an Assam-based journalist Atanu Bhuyan questioned.