Himachal Pradesh: Flood Relief and Political Strife

Himachal Pradesh, which faced severe floods and landslides last year resulting in 550 deaths, will receive reconstruction and rehabilitation aid through multilateral development assistance, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced. The state's Congress government has repeatedly accused the BJP-led Centre of insufficient support, sparking political tension.

In her budget speech in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced aid through multilateral development assistance for Himachal Pradesh, which suffered major losses due to last year's devastating floods.

Triggered by heavy rains, the floods and landslides claimed approximately 550 lives during the monsoon. Following a post-disaster assessment, the Himachal Pradesh government requested Rs 9,042 crore in financial assistance from the Centre.

Three spells of exceptionally heavy rainfall hit the state, with rain measurements significantly exceeding the normal levels. Amidst these challenges, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh allocated Rs 4,500 crore for flood victims but accused the BJP-led Centre of failing to announce a special relief package or declaring the calamity a national disaster.

During the Lok Sabha poll campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the state government for allegedly mismanaging central aid. BJP leaders claimed the Centre had already released substantial funds for flood relief and infrastructure but accused Congress of selective distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)