NEW DELHI: Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal said the rice allotted to the state during floods was not free. He blamed Kerala for changing their stand now.

The minister blamed the Kerala government that the state should be ready to spend the money granted by the centre and that the state had failed to fulfil their duty towards the people. There is nothing abnormal in accepting money for the foodgrains, said Goyal.

The centre asking the price of rice bought during floods turned a big political controversy in the state. The state replied that they should not ask the price of the rice provided during floods. However, the government had decided to pay Rs 205.81 crore after Minister Piyush Goyal sent a letter to the chief minister last month saying that 89,540 tonnes of rice was allocated in excess and if payment was not made, the central share or subsidy amount would be cut.

In addition to the grains provided during floods, asking the rent of the helicopter used for relief also stoked a controversy.