Pathankot, Oct. 2 -- Ashwani Sharma, working president, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Punjab, said that the state has faced one of the worst flood disasters in its history, but instead of "fulfilling its duty, the state government abandoned its responsibility and continues to mislead the people on relief and rehabilitation".

While addressing a press conference here, he said, "The ministry of home affairs confirmed to chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann that Rs.12,589.59 crore is in the account of the Punjab government as the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for immediate relief and rehabilitation."

"Where is this money and why has it not been used for the flood-affected people," he asked.

"Contradictory statements on the availability...