TDP coalition swindled Rs 534 cr in donor funds for flood relief: YSRCP

NTR district YSRCP president Devineni Avinash and Vijayawada Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi have severely criticised the TDP coalition leaders for allegedly misappropriating Rs 534 crore in donor funds intended for flood relief. They accused the coalition of submitting false accounts despite receiving generous contributions from donors across the globe, moved by the plight of the flood victims.
Addressing the media at the party office on Monday, Devineni Avinash lashed out at the TDP coalition government for failing to assist the flood-affected people properly. He alleged that, instead of providing genuine help, the government exploited the situation for publicity and corruption. Avinash further pointed out that the government falsely claimed to have spent Rs 1.40 crore but did not even establish a single rehabilitation centre. He highlighted the inflated claims of Rs 368 crore spent on food, Rs 26 crore on bottled drinking water, and Rs 23 crore on candles and cooking stoves, stating that flood victims were deprived of necessities for three days.
He demanded that the government disclose details of the contractors involved and ensure transparency in the utilisation of the relief funds.
Mayor Bhagyalakshmi also questioned the government’s expenditure, particularly the claim of Rs 23 crore spent on candles and matchboxes, which she termed as exaggerated. She expressed doubts over the government’s assertion of deploying 412 drones for food distribution, noting the absence of any evidence during the relief operations. She also wondered what happened to the food provided daily by charitable organisations, such as the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Both leaders urged the government to be transparent in its spending and ensure that the flood victims receive the assistance they deserve.