BJP-Congress Clash Escalates Over Rahul Gandhi’s Assam Flood Relief Visit

A heated exchange erupted between BJP leader Pijush Hazarika and the Congress party following Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to flood relief camps in Assam. Hazarika, using social media platform X (formerly Twitter), disputed Gandhi’s reported presence in flood-affected areas on that day, urging media verification before sharing information.

Contrary to Hazarika’s claims, Rahul Gandhi did indeed visit a flood relief camp at Fulertal in Cachar district on July 8th. During his visit, Gandhi expressed solidarity with flood-affected residents and underscored his commitment to their welfare as their elected representative in Parliament. He called upon the central government to swiftly provide comprehensive assistance to Assam, grappling with severe flood impacts.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Gandhi advocated for a holistic approach encompassing relief, rehabilitation, and compensation. He also proposed the establishment of a Northeast water management authority to tackle long-term flood control measures. Additionally, Gandhi offered condolences to the family of 8-year-old Avinash, who tragically lost his life in a drain accident in Guwahati.

Congress Responds

In response to Hazarika’s statements, the Congress party issued a pointed rebuttal, seeking clarification on several critical issues:

1. Failed Embankments: The Congress questioned why over 50 embankments failed and demanded accountability for this lapse.
2. Central Government Funding: They criticized the Central Government for providing only Rs 250 crores in five years against a requirement exceeding Rs 10,000 crores for flood relief in Assam.
3. Amit Shah’s Comments: They queried Home Minister Amit Shah’s characterization of the flood situation as ‘flood-like’ and his suggestion of digging ponds for flood control.
4. PM Modi’s Engagement: The Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly neglecting Assam and the Northeast, contrasting his engagement with the cricket team versus his absence in flood-affected regions.
5. ‘Double Engine’ Government: They challenged the BJP-led ‘Double Engine’ government’s effectiveness in addressing Assam’s perennial flood issues, accusing them of inaction.

The Congress accused the BJP of neglecting Assam’s flood crisis and highlighted the urgent need for substantial central government support. The exchange underscores ongoing political tensions surrounding disaster response and flood management in the region.