Published 12:59 IST, May 23rd 2020

WB BJP president Dilip Ghosh stopped from visiting cyclone Amphan-affected areas

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh was on Saturday stopped by police from visiting the cyclone-ravaged areas of the South 24 Parganas district

Reported by: Digital Desk
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh was on Saturday stopped by police from visiting cyclone-ravd areas of South 24 Parganas district, triggering a war of words between saffron party and ruling TMC. Ghosh was on his way to Canning and Basanti, two of many areas of district affected by cyclone Amphan, to distribute relief materials. His car was stopped by police at Dhalai bridge near Garia area of district.

"I don't kw why I have been stopped from visiting cyclone-affected areas. TMC leers are visiting se places and distributing relief materials. police is t stopping m. rule only changes for BJP leers," Ghosh said.

Advertisement

Ghosh threatened to organise a sit-in, if he was t allowed to go to affected areas. "If state government wants to pursue relief politics, y should get rey for a befitting reply from our workers," he said. BJP workers accompanying Ghosh h a mild scuffle with police personnel, and y pushed men in uniform to pave way for vehicle of party's state president. When contacted, police declined to comment.

Kolkata Mayor and state minister Firh Hakim wondered why state BJP was keen on doing politics over distribution of relief materials. Ghosh h on Friday demanded that assistance should be credited to bank accounts of people, affected by cyclone Amphan, to avoid siphoning of money. 

Advertisement

RE | Cyclone Amphan hits COVID-19 testing in Bengal; coronavirus death toll rises to 193

PM Modi visits West Bengal, Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited Cyclone-hit Odisha and West Bengal and took an aerial survey of areas worst affected. He anunced Rs.500 crore as vance assistance to Odisha and Rs 1000 crore for vance immediate assistance of West Bengal. He also declared ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh to kin of deceased and Rs.50,000 for seriously injured in both states.  Prime Minister said that a team will be sent by Central Government to conduct a detailed survey about dam caused due to Cyclone and current situation of affected areas.

Advertisement

RE | Cyclone Amphan LIVE Updates

Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal

Cyclone Amphan which reported winds up to 190 kmph me landfall at Digha coast of West Bengal at 2.30 pm on Wednesday, hitting Kolkata a few hours later. re were widespre power cuts in large parts of Kolkata, rth 24 Paraganas, and South Paraganas. Mobile, internet services, and electricity were also down in parts as cyclone h damd several communication towers and electrical grid. Till Saturday, 81 people have died due to Cyclone. 

Advertisement

RE | Banglesh PM Sheikh Hasina speaks to CM Mamata about Cyclone Amphan dams in Bengal

12:59 IST, May 23rd 2020