The much-delayed release of meagre central aid for floods that ravaged Karnataka in August has resulted in the BJP — which is in power in both State and the Centre — being slammed. More than 80 people died in the floods and thousands were left homeless for days.
Apart from the delay in receiving aid, opposition parties and social organisations are castigating the BJP that the Rs 1,200 crore sanctioned as relief is not only too late but also too little.
The Rs 1,200 crore, termed as interim relief, came nearly two months after the disaster struck the state and is only a minuscule part of the total Rs 35,161 crore estimated loss. In fact, in a memorandum, CM Yediyurappa had asked for Rs 8,790 cr as interim relief for the damage caused in 103 taluks of the state, spread across 22 districts.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, CM BS Yediyurappa said that he will visit the Prime Minister soon to seek prompt disbursement of further funds.
However, former Karnataka Minister Krisha Byre Gowda has stated that even out of the Rs 1,200 crore, Rs 303 crore was given as part of the central government’s regular allocation for the State Disaster Response Fund.
Slamming the Prime Minister, KBG said, “This is released in 2-3 instalments. In times of calamities, instead of large hearted humane response, we get mean spirited optical games. Chest is 56 inches. But heart is 56 mm.”
Central Govt has played a clever game. Out of the 1200 cr announced, ₹303 cr are coming from our regular statutory allocation- the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Every state has fixed SDRF allocation every year. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/s2XM0SMUXt
— Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) October 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/krishnabgowda/status/1180381806844997633?s=20
As earlier pointed out by the Opposition, KBG also went on to say that when the state flooded in 2009, when there was a UPA government at the Centre and a BJP government in the state, the relief amount sanctioned was higher.
“In 2009, flood related losses were estimated to be ₹7400 cr. Karnataka got ₹1500+ cr from Centre. This year, bcoz of #KarnatakaFloods losses are estimated to be ₹38000 cr. After 50+ days , we are getting ₹897 cr,” he tweeted.
In 2009, flood related losses were estimated to be ₹7400 cr. Karnataka got ₹1500+ cr from Centre. This year, bcoz of #KarnatakaFloods losses are estimated to be ₹38000 cr. After 50+ days , we are getting ₹897 cr.
— Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) October 5, 2019
Speaking on the same, JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy termed the central government aid as “negligible”.
Addressing reporters, he said, “The State estimated the loss at above Rs 38,000 crore. But the Centre has released only Rs 1,200 crore. As interim relief, the Centre should release at least Rs 10,000 crore.” He also announced that the JD(S) will hold state-wide protests on the issue starting October 10.
Ashok Chandargi, President of the Belagavi District Kannada Organizations’ Action Committee, which held protests along with farmer associations, said, “Not only is the amount too low, it will create problems further of how money should be distributed among the 100-plus taluks and what work can be done. We urge the CM to follow Chamarajanagar MP Srinivas Prasad’s advice and take an all-party delegation to the PM.”