'Money meant for flood relief was taken away by SP before 2017': UP CM Adityanath in Varanasi

Varanasi, Sep 5 (AHN) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of "taking away" the money meant for flood-relief measures in the state, during its government tenure, before 2017.

CM Adityanath was in Varanasi to distribute relief materials to the flood-affected people.

He also conducted an aerial-survey of the impacted areas in the district.

Addressing a gathering, Chief Minister Adityanath targeted the Samajwadi Party, saying: "The relief materials that we are distributing today were not available before 2017. Only 'dry bread' used to be available back then, not hot meal, ration, milk, or dignity kit."

"The money sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Disaster Relief Fund is being used to make all the arrangements, and is distributed as relief materials," the Chief Minister said while alleging that the same amount used to be taken by the Samajwadi Party before 2017.

"They (Samajwadi Party) used to eat up everyone's money, including that of the poor," CM Adityanath claimed.

He also said that the crops of the farmers, who have suffered losses due to the flood, are being surveyed and will be provided appropriate compensation.

He added that the problems of insects and reptiles arising due to accumulation of flood water, collapse of houses and thunder strikes, have all been included under the relief measures.

"Steps have been taken to provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of those who might die due to drowning or thunderstrike, or while working at a field, within 24 hours," he said.

Chief Minister Adityanath added: "If a poor family's house collapses, gets submerged or burnt, they will be immediately sanctioned a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana or the Chief Minister Awaas Yojana."

Taking a swipe at the previous SP government, Yogi Adityanath said: "When a good government comes to power, it brings good schemes and puts an end to "loots". It also works towards ensuring the rights of the poor and does not discriminate among anyone."

"Under the direction of Prime Minister Modi, I have come here to survey the situation in the district," he added.

Chief Minister Adityanath said that relief shelters have been put up for those displaced by the flood.

Apart from that, 48 boats, along with teams of NDRF, DAC and water police have been kept on stand by 24x7 in the affected areas.

The Chief Minister also added that medical camps are being set up for those falling ill amid the flood situation in Varanasi.