Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday claimed in the Assembly that only two persons died due to cold this winter. "Two persons have died due to cold this winter till January 20," revenue minister Ambika Chowdhury said while replying to a question raised by BJP member Suresh Rana in the Assembly, contradicting the higher toll in media reports.

Rana alleged scam in purchase and distribution of blankets to the people, to which the minister replied that government was ready to conduct an inquiry in this regard if any complaint was received.