The Union Government sanctioned Rs 921.30 crore towards assistance for the Odisha floods that wrought havoc in 21 districts of the State during September and October even as CM Naveen Patnaik 'smelt a rat' from the point of timing of the announcement. Though the Centre has provided the highest-ever amount as flood assistance, Patnaik said, "It will certainly help in the reconstruction activities in the flood-affected areas which the State Government has already began." However, he was critical over the timing of release of the funds, stating, "There is a smell of panchayat elections."