Himachal Congress hits back at PM Modi for remarks on alleged misuse of flood aid money

Himachal Pradesh Congress leaders have hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the state government of wrongful distribution of central aid for flood victims, and asked him to explain how much funds were given to the state to deal with the disaster last year.

Himachal Pradesh Congress leaders have hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the state government of wrongful distribution of central aid for flood victims, and asked him to explain how much funds were given to the state to deal with the disaster last year.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Congress candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat Vikramaditya Singh made the critical remarks late Friday evening, hours after Mr. Modi told a rally the Centre gave crores of rupees during the monsoon disaster last year but the state government did a "bandar bant (indiscriminate allocation)" of funds.

Canvassing for BJP Mandi Lok Sabha seat candidate Kangana Ranaut, the PM had also said on Friday that he will recover the money from those who got it wrongly and give it to the people of Mandi.

Addressing rallies on Friday late evening, CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh received money under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) which are available whether there is a disaster or not.

The state government had sent a revised claim estimate of ₹9,900 crore to the Centre but no amount was received, he said, adding BJP leaders should stop "lying" on the issue.

They should tell the truth about how much special relief amount has been given by the Centre to Himachal Pradesh, he said.

Mr. Sukhu also said that during his rallies on Friday, the PM asked the women in the state if they were getting Rs 1,500 per month as promised by the Congress before polls.