Shimla: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today criticized the State BJP leaders for allegedly obstructing the distribution of relief and rehabilitation funds for political gains.

The officials pointed out that the Himachal BJP's actions have prevented the state from receiving Rs 4,950 crore in disaster claims from the Central Government.

The dispute centers on a disaster claim note initially submitted by the state government to the Government of India (GoI) on August 10, 2023, for Rs 6,746 crore. This was later revised to Rs 9,900 crore on October 10, 2023.

The Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister insisted that 50 percent of this total claim, amounting to Rs 4,950 crore, rightfully belongs to the state.

They urged the GoI to release this amount promptly to expedite rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

The officials expressed frustration that the Central Government has yet to disburse any funds from the disaster claim.

Despite three assessment teams from the Center visiting the state to evaluate flood and rain damage, no funds have been forthcoming.

Agnihotri and Negi emphasized that disaster claims are a state's right and cannot be withheld on political grounds.

They further alleged that the GoI had neither declared the disaster in Himachal as a 'National Disaster' nor offered any special relief package to aid recovery.

The primary demand now is for the state to receive its rightful Rs 4,950 crore.

Accusations were also made against Himachal BJP leaders for obstructing the release of funds and a call to cease collecting water cess from power companies, as directed by the Central Government.

The Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister criticized both the State BJP leaders and the Union government for failing to provide support during this natural calamity and accused them of prioritizing political interests over the welfare of the people of Himachal.