Assam Governor backs Tarun Gogoi’s plea for more central funds

GUWAHATI: Assam Governor PB Acharya has backed Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s plea for more central funds for relief work in the flood-affected state and said he would visit Delhi seeking support. He also asked Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal not to politicise the flood problem.

The governor said he would meet President Pranab Mukerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to seek more money for the state. He suggested setting up of a Raj Bhavan relief fund in the lines of the chief minister’s relief fund, if the system permits.

The governor and the state government had crossed swords on several issues and publicly criticised each other in the past. But on handling the floods issue, Acharya said he is with the state government. “I am not a BJP man now,” he said. “Sonowal should not make floods a political issue. Please do not do this. The state government is my government.”

Sonowal had on Monday claimed that despite having funds, the state government was not doing enough. “I agree with the CM that we need more funds. The Centre should give more funds,” the governor said. “I will also request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay a visit to the flood-hit areas. Flood happens every year and we spend huge money. I will request the Centre to work out a long-term plan on how to minimise the impact. Prevention is better than cure.” According to estimates, floods have caused damage worth as much as Rs 625 crore in the state.