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Lulu group debunks rumours of Yusuff Ali’s role in Kerala aid transfer
Dubai - Fake news on social media claimed $100m will be paid to Kerala through Yusuff Ali on behalf of UAE government.
Last Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced at a press conference that the UAE had offered $100 million (Rs700 crore) in aid to help relief efforts in the flood-ravaged state. Kerala CMO tweeted that "[t]he assistance of UAE was first informed to Malayali businessman and philanthropist Yusuff Ali M.A."
- CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 21, 2018
The Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, rejected his claims after Ahmed Albanna, UAE Ambassador to India, told an Indian daily that "the assessment of relief needed for the flood and aftermath is ongoing. Announcing any specific amount as financial aid, I don't think it is final, since it is still ongoing."
Last Saturday, the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, instructed the formation of a national emergency committee to provide relief assistance to people affected by flash floods in the Indian state of Kerala. But neither the UAE not Indian Prime Minister's Office had issued any statement confirming the supposed Rs700 crore offer.
The UAE-based business tycoon Yusuff Ali has now found himself in the midst of social media rumours claiming that he will be the conduit of the $100 million financial grant from the UAE to India as central policy disallows the Indian government to accept foreign aid for this disaster.
The uncertainty over the amount has led to spread of fake news on social media that if the Indian government cannot accept foreign aid, then the $100m will be paid to Kerala through Yusuff Ali on behalf of the UAE government.
In a statement, Yusuff Ali's office has categorically refuted the news circulating on social media as fake. "Legal action will be taken against those who circulate such messages," LuLu Group communications department said.
Following Vijayan's claims about the UAE's offer of financial assistance, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had released a statement saying: "In line with the existing policy, the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts. Contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome."
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