Bhatt accuses Congress of spreading disinformation on disaster relief package 

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | /Dehradun

The Bharatiya Janata Party State president Mahendra Bhatt alleged that Congress leaders are spreading disinformation on the initial financial assistance package given by the Central government. He said that the Central government’s assistance is preliminary and further aid will be provided based on the final report. Congress leaders have not visited disaster-affected areas but are giving advice on relief work, Bhatt said. Addressing questions from the media in Dehradun on Friday, Bhatt said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uttarakhand to review relief and damage assessment and announced an initial assistance of Rs 1,200 crore. He added that a central team is currently collecting information on the ground and further aid will be released based on the team’s final report. He said that this method of providing assistance is consistent with previous disaster responses. Bhatt countered Congress claims on the economic package, stating that Congress has presented partial information misleadingly. He said that the initial package is clear and additional aid will follow as per the final report. He added that Congress has historically treated disasters as opportunities for corruption, focusing on inflating aid figures rather than ensuring relief reaches those affected. He criticised Congress leaders for not visiting disaster-affected areas or assisting in relief work, saying they are now offering advice from offices rather than engaging with affected communities. The BJP government aims to ensure that every rupee of the economic package reaches those in need and that disaster-affected areas are restored safely. The central government will provide assistance wherever and whenever required, Bhatt added.