100 cr central aid inadequate, says Kerala FM; Alphons terms remark 'political'

Union Minister K J Alphons today termed Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac's comment that the Centre's relief of Rs 100 crore for the flood-hit state was inadequate, a "political" one and alleged that he did not visit the worst-affected areas.

This comes a day after Home Minister Rajnath Singh sanctioned a grant of Rs 100 crore to flood-ravaged Kerala where 39 people have lost their lives in unprecedented rainfall, with the state pegging its damages at Rs 8,316 crore.

The Kerala government had sought an assistance of Rs 1,220 crore from the Centre to tide over the crisis.

Today, Isaac took to Twitter to say the "precious" Rs 100 crore was "from the regular disaster management fund due to Kerala".

During a media interaction at the Indian Women's Press Club in the national capital, Union Tourism Minister Alphons said "Thomas Isaac is complaining all the time. This is a completely political statement. During the UPA rule, the ministers from Kerala never visited the state in the event of a disaster unlike under the current regime.

"We went there; the home minister, I, MoS (home) Kiren Rijiju, we all went. Isaac never visited his constituency Alleppey during these floods. What is he talking about? I have asked for a special package for Kerala."