SHIMLA: HP PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh today dismissed the claims of a special financial package made by BJP leaders to the state as misleading and baseless.

In a joint statement, they issued sharp rebuttal against State BJP leaders, including the Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur. 

They insisted that BJP leaders were fabricating stories to mask their dwindling popularity.

Contrary to their statements, the state had not received any additional support or special relief from the Union Government, the ministers said.

Out of the pending relief of Rs. 315 crore, only Rs. 189 crore was released.

Meanwhile, Rs. 360 crore under SDRF was disbursed, with the first Rs. 180 crore paid in advance, they added.

The ministers accused the BJP of exploiting natural disasters for political mileage but failing to substantiate their claims of central assistance.

They likened the BJP's tactics to Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Party's chief propagandist, stating that if a lie is repeated enough, people might believe it.

They highlighted the BJP's reluctance in the recent Vidhan Sabha session to support the Chief Minister's resolution for a special relief package. The ministers called on BJP leaders to cease misleading the public and assume a constructive role.

While the state government's disaster response earned praise from NITI Aayog and the World Bank, the opposition seemed unable to accept the Chief Minister's popularity and disaster relief efforts, the ministers said.

The state government has sought special assistance from the central government repeatedly, with only promises in return.