Opposition leader Sharad Yadav today hit out at the Centre for its refusal to the financial aid reportedly offered by the UAE government for the flood-ravaged Kerala, saying the decision is "unjust and inhumane" and is driven by "narrow political interest".
He said it is common for India and friendly countries to help each other in times of crisis but this is the first time that an Indian government has turned down such a offer.
Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the former Union minister said it has no problem in accepting foreign donations and its government has passed a law that rules out probe into funding to political parties from abroad, but foreign aid to an opposition-ruled state hit by a natural disaster is refused in the name of national prestige.
Yadav asked the Centre to reconsider its decision.
Days after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the UAE has offered to give Rs 700 crore to his state, the Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that the Centre would not allow any financial assistance from foreign governments for Kerala in sync with an existing policy.
Amid claims and counter-claims, UAE embassy official said today no specific amount for financial aid to flood-ravaged Kerala has been finalised officially by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and there was no announcement on donation to the state.
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