Chandigarh, Sep 16 (NationPress) Following a day-long visit by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to the flood-affected areas in Punjab, BJP leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for allocating Rs 5 crore to its party's administration in Himachal Pradesh for flood relief and rehabilitation.

Baliawal expressed his discontent on X, stating, 'For photo-ops it's Punjab, and for financial assistance it's Himachal Pradesh.'

He pointed out that none of the eight state governments controlled by Congress and its allies provided any assistance to Punjab. 'Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was previously advised to inquire what Rahul brought along. Now, they must clarify who is truly anti-Punjab: those who provide relief or those who seek photo opportunities.'

In a show of solidarity, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced Rs 5 crore for flood victims in Himachal Pradesh.

Opposition figures Chalavadi Narayanswamy and Yaduveer Wadiyar condemned this decision, alleging it represents a disregard for local disaster victims and political bias in aid distribution.

'As a supportive gesture, our Government is contributing Rs 5 crore towards relief and rehabilitation. In this time of sorrow, we stand united with you, Shri @SukhuSukhvinder-ji, and the resilient people of Himachal. Together, we will navigate through this tragedy,' CM Siddaramaiah posted on X.

On Monday, Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi visited flood-impacted regions in Punjab and engaged with affected families.

He also assessed the current relief efforts.

Previously, Punjab BJP spokesperson Baliawal remarked that while the Punjab government and the Congress frequently question central assistance, they have not demonstrated the willingness to extend aid from states where they govern.

He noted that during the dire period when Punjab faced severe flooding and residents endured significant hardships, Gandhi was abroad in Malaysia.

Baliawal asserted that the Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has already allocated Rs 1,600 crore in immediate relief to Punjab, in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore available with the Punjab government under the State Disaster Response Fund.

Baliawal also stated that BJP-governed states such as Delhi, Gujarat, Goa, and Haryana have each contributed Rs 5 crore to the Punjab Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

In addition to financial aid, numerous BJP administrations have dispatched thousands of trucks and train wagons filled with rations and essential supplies for flood victims. Throughout this crisis, BJP leaders and volunteers across Punjab have been actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation operations.