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Centre grants Rs 921 crore as flood aid to Odisha
The Union Government sanctioned Rs 921.30 crore towards assistance for the Odisha floods that wrought havoc in 21 districts of the State during September and October even as CM Naveen Patnaik 'smelt a rat' from the point of timing of the announcement.
Though the Centre has provided the highest-ever amount as flood assistance, Patnaik said, "It will certainly help in the reconstruction activities in the flood-affected areas which the State Government has already began."
However, he was critical over the timing of release of the funds, stating, "There is a smell of panchayat elections."
On the other hand, the Congress slammed Patnaik for not expressing his thanks to the Union Government for releasing the highest-ever flood assistance to Odisha.
Opposition leader in the State Assembly Bhupinder Singh asked the Chief Minister to see that the funds were not used as BJD election expenditure, while urging the people to remain vigilant.
"Instead of remaining obliged for the assistance, the CM saw motive behind the release of funds," said Singh, adding, "It is unfortunate." He lamented that the State Gover
nment had been criticising the Union Government for not releasing the flood assistance early and now when the funds were released, the CM was 'smelling a rat'.
The Union Government sanctioned Rs 921.30 crore towards assistance for the Odisha floods that wrought havoc in 21 districts of the State during September and October even as CM Naveen Patnaik 'smelt a rat' from the point of timing of the announcement.
Though the Centre has provided the highest-ever amount as flood assistance, Patnaik said, "It will certainly help in the reconstruction activities in the flood-affected areas which the State Government has already began."
However, he was critical over the timing of release of the funds, stating, "There is a smell of panchayat elections."
On the other hand, the Congress slammed Patnaik for not expressing his thanks to the Union Government for releasing the highest-ever flood assistance to Odisha.
Opposition leader in the State Assembly Bhupinder Singh asked the Chief Minister to see that the funds were not used as BJD election expenditure, while urging the people to remain vigilant.
"Instead of remaining obliged for the assistance, the CM saw motive behind the release of funds," said Singh, adding, "It is unfortunate." He lamented that the State Gover
nment had been criticising the Union Government for not releasing the flood assistance early and now when the funds were released, the CM was 'smelling a rat'.
