HYDERABAD: Union Minister and BJP State President G. Kishan Reddy stated on Tuesday that the Centre remains committed to supporting the people of both Telugu states affected by recent floods. He urged the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments to submit reports on the damage to enable a Central team to visit and assess the situation.
Kishan Reddy questioned the need to declare the floods a national calamity, given that the Centre is already providing assistance and releasing funds. He indicated that if necessary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the affected areas.
At a press conference held at the BJP party office in Hyderabad, Kishan expressed sorrow over the loss of life and acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents in 11 districts due to the heavy rains. He noted that both Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had contacted Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to discuss the flood situation and its impact on the state. The Centre has also deployed NDRF teams to assist flood victims in Khammam and other districts.
"The Centre will continue to monitor the situation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Prime Minister’s Office has instructed relevant departments to repair the damaged national highways and railway lines," Kishan said.
He revealed that there is a corpus of Rs 1,345 crore in the State Disaster Response Fund and urged the state governments to use these funds for relief and rehabilitation. He also requested that the state government submit utilization certificates to the Centre to secure additional funds under SDRF.
Regarding compensation, Kishan Reddy announced that the Centre would provide Rs 3 lakh ex gratia to the families of those who have died. He sought clarification on whether the state government’s Rs 5 lakh compensation includes the Centre’s contribution. BJP leaders and activists are currently visiting flood-affected areas to provide food and drinking water, and the Centre will also offer compensation for lost cattle.
Additionally, Kishan Reddy announced that the Centre plans to hold Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations annually. This year’s event will take place on September 17 at the Parade Ground, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah serving as the chief guest. He added that if the BJP comes to power, they will ensure that the national flag is hoisted in every village panchayat on September 17.