K C Venugopal Takes Indirect Dig at Government Over PM SHRI; ‘Claims of Crores in Losses Are Exaggerated'

New Delhi: AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal has said that the PM SHRI scheme carries an agenda of "saffronisation," while adding that claims of massive financial losses if Keralam withdraws from the scheme are being exaggerated.

Speaking to the media, Venugopal said a sub-committee has been constituted to examine the PM SHRI issue and that the Kerala government will take a decision based on its recommendations. His remarks come even as the UDF government has repeatedly stated that it will continue with the PM SHRI scheme.

When questioned about the alleged shortcomings in relief operations following the recent rain-related disasters in Keralam and the Chief Minister's helicopter travel, Venugopal declined to respond. Describing the allegations as "childish," he said he would not comment on them and maintained that he was addressing the media only on national issues.

He also avoided questions related to the flood in Keralam. When asked whether a decision had been taken on the appointment of the new KPCC president, Venugopal said he had nothing more to say and ended the interaction.

Venugopal also did not comment on the rain-related disasters in the state or the loss of lives caused by the recent extreme weather.