New Delhi [India], September 18 : BJP leader Amit Malviya on Thursday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading false information on the extent of animal losses and monetary damages due to recent flooding in Punjab.
In a post on social media, Malviya claimed that Rahul Gandhi's figures are far off from official state data and accused him of exploiting Punjab's pain for "petty politics."
His remarks came after Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, stating that the state has suffered an estimated loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore, and over 10 lakh animals have perished due to floods.
Citing the Punjab government's data, the BJP leader claimed that instead of over 10 lakh, only 34,000 animals have reportedly perished, and the state losses amount to Rs 13,289 crore and not Rs 20,000 crore.
Malviya posted on X, "Yet another pack of lies from Rahul Gandhi. In his letter to the Prime Minister, he claims 10 lakh animals have perished. But Punjab's Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian (Sept 7) put the figure at 19,041 (including poultry), now reportedly about 34,000. Where did the missing 9.44 lakh animals go? The Punjab Chief Secretary told the PM that the state's losses amount to ₹13,289 crores. Rahul Gandhi inflates it to ₹20,000 crores. Why this deliberate falsehood? While the Central Government is extending full support to flood-hit Punjab, Rahul Gandhi is busy reducing Punjabis to political pawns. Why exploit Punjab's pain for petty politics?"
https://x.com/amitmalviya/status/1968627304889991262
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, stating that the state has suffered an estimated loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore due to floods, and the Rs 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government "does grave injustice" to the people of the state.
Recalling his visit to the state, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said he witnessed shocking devastation and its human cost. He said over four lakh acres of paddy crop have been destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished.
The Congress leader said that in this hour of need of Punjab, the Centre and people of the country must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them.
"I write to you regarding the catastrophic floods that have devastated Punjab. During my recent visit, I witnessed the shocking devastation and its human cost. Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished. Lakhs of people, mostly from marginalised communities have lost their homes. The flood has also rendered vast tracts of land uncultivable in the near future. Even today, thousands of acres are submerged and villages remain cut off," Rahul Gandhi said in his letter written on Tuesday.
He said the efforts of the community had helped people in their hour of need.
"Despite the gravity of this crisis, I witnessed the very best of humanity. Communities rallied behind those who lost everything. People opened their homes to strangers and shared whatever little they had. Their generosity, and commitment to help, often at great personal risk was admirable," he said.
Rahul Gandhi said the situation demands a bolder response from the Centre in terms of financial assistance.
"The 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government does grave injustice to the people of Punjab. Estimates suggest that the state has suffered a loss of atleast Rs 20,000 Cr. This crisis demands a bolder response. I request the government to facilitate a quick assessment of the damage and deliver a comprehensive relief package," he said.
"Punjab will rise again. In their hour of need, we must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them. We must come together and extend all possible support to help rebuild their future," he added.